France successfully conducts first submarine launch of upgraded M51.3 strategic missile, Experts remind France for containing internal violence
France has marked a significant milestone in the modernisation of its nuclear deterrent with the successful maiden submarine launch of the upgraded M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). On 6 October 2026, the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine ‘Le Vigilant’ fired an unarmed M51.3 off the coast of Finistère in Brittany as part of Operation SMERTRIOS. Keywords:…