France tests M51.3 missile Macron's deterrence context

Mar 2

CCTV reports Macron's October 6 announcement of a successful first submarine M51.3 test off Finistère, witnessed by him and carrying no nuclear warhead according to AFP and French media. It says the missile landed in the North Atlantic. The report recalls France's nuclear arsenal and Macron's March forward-deterrence proposal, offering partner participation in exercises and possible strategic-force deployments in allied countries, with Germany and Poland among interested countries. It attributes Europe's concern about U.S. protection to press analysis. A test launch, proposed cooperation and attributed security assessments remain distinct; no nuclear detonation or completed allied deployment is established.

CCTV recalls Macron's March offer of forward nuclear deterrence: partners could join deterrence exercises and strategic forces could be deployed in allied countries in some circumstances. It reports French statements of interest from Germany, Poland and others, and attributes increased interest to press assessments of uncertain U.S. protection. A separate CCTV brief recalls an undated Russian warning about countries hosting such deployments. These are offers, interest and warnings, without a completed allied deployment.