The French Navy marked a significant milestone on December 14 by sinking the former Aviso 'PM L'Her' during a live-fire exercise using the cutting-edge F21 torpedo. Fired from a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), the torpedo, fitted with a live warhead, demonstrated its ability to neutralize both surface and underwater threats.
The F21 torpedo, designed for Rubis-class and Suffren-class SSNs as well as SSBNs, boasts superior stealth, range, speed, and detection capabilities compared to its predecessors. This exercise, part of the Polaris high-intensity preparation program, provided realistic conditions to assess the weapon's performance and gather valuable operational insights.
The trial reinforced crew resilience and tactical innovation, aligning with the military programming law's objectives to advance naval warfare capabilities. The French Navy continues to enhance its readiness for modern conflicts through such rigorous tests.