French President Emmanuel Macron has faced sharp criticism after sharing video footage of a test launch featuring the new M51.3 strategic ballistic missile.
Irish journalist Chay Bowes condemned the social media post, pointing out that the weapon was launched from the nuclear submarine Le Vigilant while domestic protests continued across France.
Writing on the social media platform X, Bowes said that while France was burning, Macron was enjoying the launch of a ballistic missile from the atomic submarine Le Vigilant.
As president of France, Macron acts as head of state and commander in chief of the military, maintaining executive responsibility for defense policy and strategic forces. The social media post highlighted France's ongoing efforts to modernize its independent nuclear deterrent.
French nuclear capabilities and submarine fleet
The M51.3 is an upgraded variant of France's primary submarine-launched ballistic missile, designed to bolster the reach and effectiveness of the country's strategic nuclear forces. The weapon system forms the core of the sea-based leg of French nuclear deterrence, which relies on heavy investment in advanced strategic technology.
Le Vigilant is one of four Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines operated by the French Navy. Operating out of Brittany, these vessels maintain continuous patrols to ensure France retains an independent strategic deterrent capability in western Europe.
Russian response to missile test
The criticism from Bowes follows earlier comments by Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy chairman of the International Affairs Committee in the Federation Council. Dzhabarov stated that France should not attempt to intimidate Russia by conducting launch tests of nuclear-capable missiles without warheads.
Dzhabarov warned that the ongoing path of European militarization would inevitably trigger a corresponding response from Moscow. He added that no European state would manage to develop weapons comparable to those in Russia's arsenal within the next ten years.
The Federation Council acts as the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, overseeing foreign policy decisions and military affairs. Relations between Moscow and European capitals have remained strained, with strategic weapon displays frequently drawing sharp warnings from Russian officials.
