France is preparing to test-launch an M51.3 ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant, UNIAN reported on October 6, citing French newspaper Ouest-France. UNIAN's report did not specify an exact launch date.
The missile is to be launched without a nuclear warhead off the coast of Finistère. Shipping restrictions are already in place in the planned launch area and are due to remain in effect until October 21.
Strategic weapons analyst Étienne Marcuz estimated that the missile would travel about 4,700 kilometres during the test. He stressed that this would not represent its maximum range.
The planned launch follows lengthy maintenance on Le Vigilant that began in autumn 2023 at the Île Longue base. According to the report, the test is intended to check that the submarine's strategic weapons system functions after the overhaul.