FREMM Aquitaine continues verification test firings

The frigate Aquitaine, a part of the multi-mission frigate program (FREMM), fired an Exocet MM40 surface-to-surface missile on 12 May and a naval cruise missile on 19 May at a DGA missile testing centre off Levant Island.

These tests marked the first time that a European surface ship has fired a European cruise missile. The firings were prepared by the DGA teams, the French Navy, missile manufacturer MBDA, and DCNS. They were held as part of the verification of the FREMMs' technical capabilities before they enter active service.

The firing of these missiles marks a major milestone after the successful firing of an Aster 15 anti-aircraft missile in 2013 and the commissioning of the MU 90 lightweight torpedo on the Caiman marine helicopter on 13 March.

FREMMs are heavily-armed warships with naval cruise missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles, Aster anti-aircraft missiles and MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes. They can accommodate a Caiman marine helicopter, special forces and their equipment. A total of six FREMMs are due to be delivered before mid-2019.

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