The FREMM Aquitaine's first successful Aster missile

Monday, February 4, 2013, Aquitaine, first frigate of the French Navy FREMM class (Multi-Mission Frigate), has successfully completed its first missile Aster 15 air defense in the Mediterranean, off the test center Missile Armament Directorate General on the Ile du Levant. The FREMM is the third type of building the Navy to proceed with the firing of a missile Aster after the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and defense frigates Forbin and Chevalier Paul Airlines.

The shooting took place in the major part of the Verification of Military Specifications (VCM) of Aquitaine, his future step prior to admission to Active Service (ASA) in the navy. "This fire has allowed marine Aquitaine concretely validate all stages of implementation of Aster 15 missile type from a FREMM" says CV Benedict Rouvière, commander of the frigate. "The firing sequence will load the missile aboard the actual destruction of the target through the key phases of the target detection by radar and treatment system operators combat the boat."


This shot was prepared and conducted in cooperation between the crew of Aquitaine and teams of the DGA, DCNS, MBDA and OCCAR (Organisation Joint Armament Cooperation). For all this success marks a new step in demonstrating the capabilities of the FREMM. "The validation of this shot Aster acquires the ability Aquitained'une his fundamental defense system," adds CV Rouvière.

The FREMM buildings are heavily armed: sea-sea missiles Exocet 40, Aster anti-air missiles, torpedoes MU90. The first 9 frigates, will conduct missions dominant anti-submarine warfare, while the last 2 frigates, specializing in anti-aircraft, are designed to protect a carrier battle group or amphibious against aircraft and missiles. All FREMM can implement Cayman Marine helicopter (NH90), as well as special forces and their equipment.