PARIS: France has test-fired a long-range ballistic missile to boost its nuclear deterrence. Reuters reported that the missile didn’t carry any nuclear warhead but it is capable of doing so.
The M51.3 strategic ballistic missile traveled hundreds of kilometers from the Biscarrosse missile testing site and landed in the North Atlantic.
Ministry statement
The French defense ministry said the missile was tested in response to the changing global security environment.
“The flight has allowed to confirm a major improvement of the missile which will contribute to the lasting credibility of France’s oceanic deterrence in coming decades,” the statement said.
Response to Russia-Ukraine war
Experts are suggesting that the missile was tested as Russian President Cladamir Putin has repeatedly warned about nuclear escalation.
The missile is an upgraded version of M51, which is designed to be launched from submarines and hit land-sea based targets.
