France, operational test with explosive naval drone on cargo ship - VIDEO

On 26 April 2025, the French Navy conducted a major test at sea using an explosive naval drone against a decommissioned cargo ship. The experiment took place off the coast of ToulonFrance's main naval base, and saw the direct involvement of a offshore patrol vessel of the fleet, from which the remotely controlled drone was launched.

According to the Ministry of the Armed ForcesThe aim of the trial was to test the effectiveness of the new remote-controlled naval weapon systemsimproving its driving capabilities, safety and explosive efficiency. In an official communiquéthe Ministry emphasised that the current international context, which is considered increasingly unstable, requires the development and deployment of innovative tools for high-intensity naval combat.

"The objective of the experiment was to confirm the French Navy's ability to deploy a remotely controlled naval munition directly from the sea," the ministry said. "Given the deteriorating geopolitical environment, we consider it essential to conduct operational experimental campaigns in the maritime environment."

The drone used - a USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) equipped with an explosive charge - was directed towards an old merchant ship specially prepared for the test. Prior to the test, the target hull had been purified of fuels and hazardous liquidsand the impact area had been reinforced with metal plates and tyresto contain the damage and avoid sinking.

This test is part of a real exercise campaign that the French Navy is conducting to strengthen its war capabilities. In December 2024, a nuclear attack submarine sank the former Premier-Maître ship L'Her with a heavy torpedo F21while in February 2025 was performed a impact test on the frigate Courbetdetonating a naval mine in its vicinity while underway in full operational readiness.

Interest in naval explosive drones has grown significantly following the conflict in Ukrainewhere Ukrainian forces used kamikaze marine drones to strike and sink Russian ships in the Black Sea. The effectiveness of this strategy has attracted the attention of armed forces around the world, prompting even the US to develop similar solutions: the American company Maritime Tactical Systems has recently presented its own naval drone designed for one-way attack missions.

The French initiative thus confirms a global trend: navies are evolving rapidlyby introducing autonomous weapon systems that are cheaper, less exposed to human risk and capable of operating in complex, high-intensity theatres. With these tests, Paris demonstrates its willingness to strengthen its maritime defence tools, in line with the growing instability of international balances.

Source: https://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/ministere-armees/Press%20release_French%20Navy%20tests%20an%20offensive%20drone%20on%20a%20real%20target%20at%20sea.pdf