France tests ballistic missile from submarine off Finistère coast

ouest-france.fr (French) —

France conducted a test launch of a ballistic missile off the coast of Finistère on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 9:09 a.m., from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant. The missile was fired without a nuclear warhead, according to reports first revealed by Ouest-France on Sunday. Witnesses reported hearing a dull sound at the exact time of the launch, which was visible from dozens of kilometers away. The operation involved Le Vigilant, a ballistic missile submarine (SNLE), positioned off the French coast. The test is part of routine military exercises to verify the reliability of France's nuclear deterrent capabilities.


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