On October 6, 2026, France’s Ministry of Defence announced the successful completion of the M51 ballistic missile’s M51.3 version from SSBN Le Vigilant.
French MoD press release – Translated by Naval News
The first firing of an M51 ballistic missile in its M51.3 version was carried out on 6 October 2026 from a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The missile, which carried no nuclear warhead, was launched off the coast of Finistère from the SSBN Le Vigilant as part of Operation SMERTRIOS. The purpose was to validate the submarine’s ability to operate the M51 after its periodic maintenance and repair availability (IPER).
The missile was tracked throughout its flight by the resources of the Directorate General of Armaments—Missile Testing (DGA/EM), including the Monge test and measurement vessel. The impact area was in the North Atlantic, several hundred kilometres from any coastline. The firing was conducted without a nuclear warhead and in strict compliance with France’s international commitments.
It thus confirms the operational capability of the Le Vigilant’s weapons system and once again demonstrates the excellence of the advanced technology developed by French industry in the field of nuclear deterrence.
M51.3
The M51.3, the third version of the M51 submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile, entered operational service on 24 October 2025. Its entry into service marked a major step in the modernization of France’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.
Equipped with new oceanic nuclear warheads (TNO-2) and offering improved range, accuracy and penetration capability, the M51.3 helps preserve the credibility of the sea-based component in the face of evolving adversary missile defences. It reflects the President of the Republic’s commitment to maintaining the operational credibility of France’s nuclear forces over the long term, at the level required by the international environment.
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