France Successfully Tests Strategic Ballistic Missile without Nuclear Load

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AFP

Last Updated: November 19, 2023, 06:22 IST

Paris, France

France tested the hypersonic missile without a nuclear payload. (Image: Shutterstock/Representative)

France tested the hypersonic missile without a nuclear payload. (Image: Shutterstock/Representative)

France tested the M51.3 strategic ballistic missile at a site in the Landes region in southwestern France.

France said it had successfully tested without a nuclear load the M51.3 strategic ballistic missile on Saturday.

The French defence ministry said the launch took place from a site in the Landes region in southwestern France.

The missile was tracked throughout its flight phase and the fallout area was located in the North Atlantic several hundred kilometres from any coast, the ministry added in a statement.

“First successful test firing of an M51.3 strategic ballistic missile!” Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“This development confirms the credibility of our nuclear deterrent and demonstrates the excellence of our launch sector,” he said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - AFP)
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Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18, covering international issues. He is an Arsenal fan, and in his free time, he enjoys exploring of...Read More
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first published:November 19, 2023, 06:22 IST
last updated:November 19, 2023, 06:22 IST