World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
France tests retired frigate against underwater shock waves
France is testing the retired frigate Latouche-Tréville off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, near Toulon.
The French Navy and the DGA began explosive tests on the ship’s hull during a campaign running from October 26 to 30, 2026.
The frigate was retired from service in 2022-23 and moved from Brest to the DGA’s naval test area at Pointe du Cannier.
The tests simulate underwater blasts like those from a mine, torpedo or missile to assess damage to the ship.
Engineers use sensors to measure the impact on the hull, engines, electronics, radar and combat systems.
The results can help improve future warships, including their hull protection and machinery supports.
Sea and shore activities are restricted in designated areas while tests are underway, including access to Cavalas beach.
A second test campaign is planned from January 2027, with some tests potentially pushing old ship hulls to breaking point.
France’s Defence Procurement Agency and Navy are testing the hull of the retired anti-submarine frigate Latouche-Tréville against underwater shock waves.
The tests are taking place at the DGA Techniques navales test area off the Cannier point near Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer.
The campaign runs from 26 to 30 October 2026, with pyrotechnic charges used to simulate underwater explosions.
The tests aim to assess the ship’s structural resistance and help improve designs for future warships.
A second test campaign is planned from January 2027.
- Who
- France’s Defence Procurement Agency and the French Navy.
- What
- They are conducting pyrotechnic shock tests on the hull of the retired frigate Latouche-Tréville.
- When
- 26–30 October 2026. A second campaign is planned from January 2027.
- Where
- At the DGA Techniques navales test area off Cannier point, near Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer.
- Why
- To measure how a ship’s hull and systems withstand underwater shock waves and inform designs for future warships.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Latouche-Tréville was decommissioned; the articles differ on whether this happened in 2022 or 2023.
The test campaign began, according to the dates given for the campaign.
Nice-Matin reported that the first shot had taken place that Wednesday.
The first campaign is scheduled to end.
A second test campaign is planned to begin.
- Test vessel
- Latouche-Tréville
- Test location
- DGA Techniques navales area off Cannier point
- Campaign dates
- 26–30 October 2026
- Restricted access
- Navigation, anchoring, diving, swimming and access to Cavalas beach are prohibited when test zones are active
- Next campaign
- Planned from January 2027
3 sources
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What people are saying
These are tests of the resistance of surface vessels.
The manoeuvres consist of shock tests aimed at testing the structural resistance of the hulls of surface vessels.
Beyond the hull, the shock violently vibrates the whole ship. These tests validate that the engines, onboard electronics, radars and combat systems remain operational even after taking a major impact.