France’s M51.3 ballistic missile test launch illuminates southern European skies

On November 18, 2023, residents across southern Europe witnessed an unusual and spectacular bright light in the sky. This phenomenon was soon confirmed to be the result of the French military’s successful test launch of the M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

The test garnered international attention, partly due to the visible nature of the launch.

Many reports are coming in of a strange bright light in the sky over parts of southern Europe. It has just been confirmed that it was a test launch of a M51.3 SLBM successfully carried out by the French military (DGA). pic.twitter.com/mSDH9Dzbzv

— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) November 18, 2023

[VÍDEO] Un míssil francès es deixa veure al cel del Baix Vallès @meteosantfost via @DiariSomMollet https://t.co/cP9QrYTjRo

— MeteoSantFost (@MeteoSantFost) November 20, 2023

Premier tir d’essai réussi du missile balistique stratégique M51.3 !

Cette évolution pérennise la crédibilité de notre dissuasion nucléaire et démontre l’excellence de notre filière lanceur.

Merci à @DGA, @CEA_Officiel, @ArianeGroup et à tous les acteurs de de ce tir réussi. pic.twitter.com/Rwrgn6FEXq

— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) November 18, 2023

Conducted from a land-based test facility in Biscarosse, southwestern France, this event marked the first-ever launch of the M51.3 SLBM, a significant milestone in French military capabilities​​​​.

The M51.3 is an upgraded version of the M51, a three-stage sea-land strategic ballistic missile. Designed for deployment from French Navy submarines, the M51.3 incorporates advancements that bolster France’s strategic naval defense.

This missile, developed by the Ariane Group, is a joint venture between Airbus and Safran, expected to enter service around 2025.

Featured image credit: DGA