The F21 warshot detonated beneath the target vessel (ex- Premier-Maître L'Her ). (Marine Nationale)
A French Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) has completed a first live firing of the F21 heavyweight torpedo.
Announced by the Marine Nationale on 17 December, the test saw a single F21 warshot break the back of the decommissioned D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso Premier-Maître L'Her.
Developed by Naval Group under the Artémis programme, the F21 has replaced the F17 Mod 2 heavyweight torpedo in French Navy service. As well as equipping Le Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Rubis-class SSNs, and new Suffren-class SSNs, the weapon will also arm the future SNLE 3G deterrent submarines.
Naval Group began F21 deliveries to the French Navy in late 2019, with its current production contract with the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) covering just under 100 torpedoes. While the weapon has been the subject of over 100 in-water firings, it had not previously been the subject of a live end-to-end test.
The warshot firing was conducted in the Atlantic on 14 December and, according to the French Navy, was performed in what it described as “close to operational conditions”. The identity of the SSN involved was not released.
For more information, please seeF21 .
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
