France Successfully Tests Intercontinental Missile M51.3

France has conducted a successful test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile M51.3.  

This is reported by the Ministry of Defense of France.

"Today, in the evening of November 18, a successful test launch of the M51 missile without a nuclear warhead took place from the missile test center in Biscarrosse," the Ministry of Defense announced.

According to the statement, the primary goal of these tests is to enhance the direct protection of vital interests of France under any conditions and circumstances.

At the same time, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the "event supports confidence" in the armed forces of nuclear deterrence and the "excellence of the launch industry."

It is noted that the missile was launched towards the Atlantic from a test site in the municipality of Biscarrosse. The launch was carried out from a ground-based launch pad, and the missile's impact zone was several hundred kilometers from the coastline.

The M51.3 missile is a solid-fuel three-stage sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile, an upgrade of the M51.

Currently, the technical specifications of the new French development are unknown. However, the previous version has an approximate flight range of 7,000 to 10,000 kilometers.

It is also known that the M51.3 is intended for installation on the SNLE-3G class nuclear-powered submarines, which are planned to replace their Triomphant-class predecessors after 2035.

Recall that in September, France tested the upgraded anti-ship missile Exocet Block 3c. The launch was carried out from the surface ship Alsace of the French Navy, but the missile is also capable of launching from aircraft and submarines. Thanks to the upgraded engine, the Exocet Block 3c missile can destroy targets at a distance of about 200 kilometers.

This year, France also delivered long-range SCALP-EG missiles of the air-to-ground class to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are designed to overcome air defense systems and destroy important stationary and immovable targets, including bunkers.

The missile has a length of 5.1 meters, a flight weight of up to 1,300 kilograms, and a warhead weight of 450 kilograms. The flight range of SCALP is 250 kilometers, with the potential to increase to 400 kilometers.