French Navy has conducted water explosion tests on the La Fayette-class frigate FS Courbet (F712) to validate its integrity in the face of mine threats.
The trial tested the ship’s survivability and the crew’s response and preparedness against naval mine threats.
A warship can encounter various underwater detonation threats posed by mines and torpedoes. Thus, the ships are designed to withstand such detonations up to a degree.
French Defence Ministry stated that the test was conducted due to the naval mines drifting in the Black Sea. The ministry stated that threats at sea are evolving. To prepare for this, the French Navy is conducting shock tests. These consist of detonating a charge close to a vessel to test its resistance.
La Fayette-class frigates were among the first frigate designs to feature radar cross sections, reducing outer design features such as an angled superstructure with greater uniformity and concealed anti-ship missile launchers.
La Fayette-class frigates have recently received a modification on close-range air defence capabilities by replacing Crotale point defence missile systems with two Sadral launchers, each carrying six Mistral MANPADS.
French Navy conducted similar tests in the past. The last shock test was in 1995. A 250-kilogram TNT charge exploded 40 meters deep and 30 meters from the frigate La Fayette to check the strength of its hull.
