The Kremlin on Wednesday criticised France’s test launch of a nuclear-capable missile, saying Europe’s defence identity was being built around confrontation with Russia and calling the strategy a “dead end”.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow viewed the launch as a “loud and clear message”, while stressing that Russia remained open to dialogue.France’s defence ministry said on Tuesday it had conducted the first test launch of its latest-generation M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The test was intended to demonstrate the nuclear deterrent’s capabilities amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West.The M51.3 was launched off the coast of Brittany without a nuclear warhead, France’s defence ministry said. The test formed part of an operation to certify the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant’s ability to deploy the missile following a major maintenance overhaul.The ministry said the launch was conducted “without a payload and in strict compliance with international obligations”.Although France’s announcement did not mention Russia, the test came after Russian president Vladimir Putin warned the West against escalating the standoff over Ukraine by threatening Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania.NATO has said that none of its “exercises or activities pose a threat to the territory of the Russian Federation”. Putin has also said Russia has no plans to attack any European country and wants to coexist peacefully.French president Emmanuel Macron, however, described the missile test as a clear signal.“Today we are stronger. The message has been sent loud and clear for wherever it must be received,” Macron said in a video posted on X showing him watching the launch.Macron said in March that France would expand its nuclear arsenal and proposed closer nuclear cooperation with European partners, including joint exercises and the possible short-term deployment of nuclear-capable assets on allied territory.France maintains about 290 submarine- and air-launched nuclear weapons and spends roughly €5.6 billion a year maintaining its stockpile, according to the figures cited by Reuters. Britain has 225 nuclear warheads, while Russia and the United States each have more than 5,000.The M51.3 is the latest version of France’s M51 missile and entered service in October 2025 as part of the modernisation of the country’s nuclear deterrent. Paris does not disclose its range, although public estimates for the M51 family put it at around 9,000 km or more.
