French navy vessel stands up to explosion during shock test experiment

A French naval vessel has passed a tough test after it came face-to-face with an exploding mine in the ocean.

During an experiment known as a shock test, the general-purpose stealth frigate FLF Courbet sailed near a mine which was then detonated as part of the exercise.

"This experiment, called a shock test, was carried out to assess the resistance of the building and equipment to a major explosion, in a context of increasing threats," said the Marine Nationale.

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In a post on X, the French navy said the "real-world test contributes to the preparation of crews for high-intensity combat".

Images of the explosion were shared on social media, demonstrating the magnitude of the blast that the vessel sailed past.

The FLF Courbet entered service in 1997 and was the first of the three French FLFs to benefit from a renovation upgrade programme in October 2020.

The vessel is a multi-purpose combat ship with a crew of more than 150 sailors, measuring126m long and 15m wide, as well as having a displacement of 3,600 tonnes.

She can carry out maritime surveillance, intelligence, special forces duties or integration into a Task Force in crisis zones.