Watch: French Navy Conducts First Shock Test on Combat Ship in 30 Years

The French Navy has conducted a rare shock test on the La Fayette-class frigate Courbet off the coast of Toulon, France.

The test, part of the POLARIS initiative launched in 2021, took place on January 25 and aimed to evaluate the vessel’s resilience during explosive conditions, reflecting the navy’s increased focus on high-intensity combat preparation.

The test follows a December 2024 exercise where the French Navy fired a F21 heavy torpedo fire from a nuclear attack submarine at the former Premier Maître L’Her frigate, sinking it.

“The intensification of combat preparation of crews is explained by the hardening of the ge…