France test-launches upgraded M51.3 nuclear missile off Brittany coast

On Tuesday, France's defence ministry conducted the first test launch of its latest-generation M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile off the coast of Brittany. The missile, without a nuclear warhead, was launched to certify the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant's ability to deploy the weapon after a major overhaul. The test comes amid heightened tensions with Russia, following Putin's warning about Kaliningrad. President Macron said the message was sent loud and clear. France spends €5.6 billion annually on its nuclear arsenal of 290 weapons, the world's fourth-largest.