Russian senator Vladimir Dzhabarov warned France against trying to intimidate Moscow after Paris tested an unarmed strategic nuclear missile from a submarine.
Speaking to Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru, the deputy chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs said attempting to frighten Russia with such test launches was ridiculous. He added that the continued militarization of Europe would bring a corresponding response from Moscow.
Dzhabarov stated that Russia was not afraid of France because French forces lacked the strength to deal with the country. He claimed that Russian military capabilities could resolve all issues within a few minutes if French aggression occurred.
The Federation Council serves as the upper house of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, meeting in Moscow to handle foreign policy issues and treaty ratifications. As deputy chairman of its international affairs committee, Dzhabarov frequently comments on security and diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations.
Russian warnings on European weaponry
Dzhabarov expressed confidence that no European country would be able to develop weapons comparable to Russia's arsenal within the next ten years.
His comments followed a test by France of its new M51.3 strategic ballistic missile, which was launched without a nuclear warhead. The test firing took place from the submarine Le Vigilant, with French President Emmanuel Macron present to observe the launch.
The M51 missile family forms the sea-based component of France's nuclear deterrent force. Submarines such as Le Vigilant are operated by the French Navy to maintain continuous at-sea deterrence, carrying strategic ballistic missiles capable of striking distant targets.
Previous French nuclear missile tests
France previously conducted its first test firing of an updated ASMPA missile in 2024. The medium-range missile, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, was launched as part of the Durandal military exercise.
The ASMPA serves as the airborne leg of France's strategic deterrent, designed to be fired from fighter aircraft. The Durandal exercise is a strategic air force operation designed to test and demonstrate the operational readiness of French airborne nuclear forces.
