Macron Oversees French Test Launch of Nuclear-Capable Missile

French President Emmanuel Macron oversaw the first test launch of an intercontinental missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads on Tuesday, according to the Élysée Palace and the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

The missile was fired from a submarine off France’s western coast. The launch took place under Macron’s supervision, the French authorities said.

The weapon was described as nuclear-capable, meaning it can carry nuclear warheads. That description does not establish that a nuclear warhead was fitted for the test.

The announcement identified the firing as an initial trial but provided no further details in the available account about the missile’s designation, flight path or results.