France made its first cruise missile launch since a submarine
France launched a cruise missile from a submarine, the French Armed Forces Department announced on Tuesday, October 20. The Suffren, a new generation of nuclear attack submarines, has “successfully carried out” this Naval Cruise Missile test fire off Biscarrosse (Landes), he said in a statement.
“This success gives a new strategic capability to our Navy, it is among the best in the world”, welcomed the Minister of Armies, Florence Parly. “Until now, French submarine forces could hit submarines and surface ships. They can now destroy heavy land infrastructure at long distances, ” she added.
France thus joined the closed circle of states equipped with naval cruise missiles, like the American Tomahawk, “popularized” by the Gulf War in 1991.
Florence Parly on twitter :
“The Suffren has just successfully fired a naval cruise missile test. A real strategic break. Proud of our sailors, the DGA and our industry”.
Mrs. Parly is proud – we not !
Alain Rouy, Le Mouvement de la Paix, France