French Navy Tests Advanced F21 Torpedo
The French Navy has recently conducted a dramatic sinking exercise to validate the performance of its advanced F21 heavyweight torpedo. This test marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to enhance its underwater warfare capabilities. The exercise involved a retired corvette, the Premier Maitre L’Her, which was deliberately sunk to demonstrate the effectiveness of the torpedo. This event not only showcases the capabilities of the F21 but also highlights the French Navy’s commitment to maintaining a modern and effective fleet.
Details of the Sinking Exercise
In mid-December, an unnamed French nuclear-powered attack submarine launched the F21 torpedo at the retired corvette Premier Maitre L’Her. The exercise was meticulously planned to assess the torpedo’s performance in a real-world scenario. Images released by the Marine Nationale show the moment of impact, where the torpedo struck just aft of the deckhouse, successfully breaking the ship’s keel as intended. This precise hit demonstrates the advanced targeting capabilities of the F21, which is designed for high-stakes maritime operations.
The F21 torpedo is a significant upgrade from the Italian A184 design. Measuring 20 feet in length and equipped with a 440-pound warhead, it boasts impressive specifications. The torpedo utilizes electric propulsion and a single-use aluminum-silver oxide battery, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 50 knots. It can engage targets located as far as 30 nautical miles away and dive to depths of 1,600 feet, making it suitable for antisubmarine warfare. Additionally, the F21 features wire guidance and acoustic homing capabilities, allowing for midcourse retargeting, which enhances its effectiveness in dynamic combat situations.
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The Legacy of Premier Maitre L’Her
The Premier Maitre L’Her was a D’Estienne d’Orves-class light corvette that served the Marine Nationale for over four decades. Commissioned in 1981, the ship was originally designed for antisubmarine warfare in the Atlantic. However, its limited sonar capabilities and poor seakeeping performance led to a shift in its operational role after the Cold War. The corvette was eventually relegated to patrol and policing duties.
Throughout its service, the Premier Maitre L’Her participated in various missions, including antipiracy operations off the coast of Somalia in 2009, where it successfully apprehended eight pirates. The ship also played a role in Operation Sophia, the European Union’s migrant-rescue mission. Its final overseas deployment involved a three-month policing mission in the Gulf of Guinea, followed by a two-month patrol in the Atlantic. After being decommissioned in July, the corvette was prepared for its final act, serving as a target for the F21 torpedo.
This sinking exercise not only marks the end of the Premier Maitre L’Her‘s storied career but also serves as a testament to the evolving capabilities of the French Navy. The successful demonstration of the F21 torpedo reinforces the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a modern and effective maritime force.
