France fires long-range missile into the North Atlantic
France is one of nine nuclear powers. Due to international developments - i.e. Russia - Paris feels it needs to confirm its capabilities. On Saturday, France therefore tested a long-range ballistic missile that can be equipped with nuclear warheads.
France has tested a long-range ballistic missile, thereby confirming its nuclear deterrent capabilities. The M51.3, which is not equipped with warheads, was launched from the military test site in Biscarosse in south-western France and fell in the North Atlantic, according to the Ministry of Defense. The test had confirmed a significant improvement in the missile.
The French ministry emphasized that the missile fell hundreds of kilometers from any coastal areas. It added that maintaining France's nuclear deterrent was necessary in view of international developments. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin repeatedly warned the West that he was prepared to use nuclear weapons in Russia's defense.
The French M51.3 is a further development of the M51 ballistic missile, which can be launched from submarines. The first test of an M51 took place in 2006 - initially also from a base on land. The second test was carried out from a submarine in 2010. The new M51.3 is expected to enter service in 2025. It is being developed by ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and the French defense company Safran.
Nine countries worldwide are in possession of operational nuclear weapons. In addition to France, these are the USA, Russia, China, Great Britain, Israel, Pakistan, India and North Korea. The United States was the first and only nuclear power to use nuclear weapons against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
France's test of a nuclear-capable missile was seen as a response to Russia's nuclear threats, further emphasizing France's role as one of the nine countries with nuclear weapons in its military arsenal.
Russia, with its repeated warnings about using nuclear weapons due to international developments like the Ukraine invasion, has led France to enhance its nuclear deterrent capabilities, echoing its strategic alliance with nuclear powers such as Russia.
Source: www.ntv.de
