Earlier today, French President Emmanuel Macron oversaw the first test of France’s M51.3 SLBM from the SSBN Le Vigilant. The test launch comes following the submarine’s Periodic Unavailability for Maintenance and Repair (IPER), similar to the U.S. Navy’s Extended Overhauls (EO). Notably, while it was likely pre-planned, the tests comes amidst heightened tensions between Europe and Russia, as Russian direct and hybrid actions against European nations continue to escalate, with little in the way of a decisive response from European powers.