France to test unarmed M51 missile from submarine Le Vigilant off Finistère

France will conduct a test launch of an unarmed M51 ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine Le Vigilant off the coast of Finistère in the coming days, according to reports. The test, with a range of 4,700 kilometers, follows the submarine's completion of a major maintenance and repair period that began in autumn 2023. The launch is part of a scheduled multi-year program and is unrelated to current international events. Previous M51 test launches occurred in November 2023, 2020, and 2016. A navigation warning has been issued, restricting maritime traffic in the area from Monday until October 21, with the launch window set between 2 a.m. and 1 p.m.