France has successfully test-fired the M51.3 long-range ballistic missile, boosting confidence in France’s nuclear deterrent capabilities, the defense ministry said on Sunday, Reuters reported.

The missile, which did not carry a nuclear weapon, was launched from the French military’s missile test base at Biscarossa in southwestern France and fell in the North Atlantic, “hundreds of kilometers from any shore,” the ministry said, without giving further details. details

“The flight confirmed a significant improvement of the missile, which will contribute to the long-term reliability of the French transoceanic deterrent in the coming decades,” the ministry said in a statement released on Sunday.

He added that maintaining the reliability of France’s nuclear weapons is necessary in view of the international environment.

Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu also said that “this achievement reinforces the credibility of our nuclear deterrent and demonstrates the excellence of our special industry.”

After Russia invaded Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin repeatedly warned the West that he was ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia.

The M51.3 missile is an improved version of the M51, a three-stage strategic surface-to-sea ballistic missile designed to be launched from submarines of the French Navy.

The M51 was first tested from a land base in 2006 and from a submarine in 2010, when it entered service.

The new M51.3 missile, due to enter service around 2025, is being developed by aerospace company ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and French defense group Safran.