Formidable Shield is an international exercise organized by the US Sixth Fleet aimed at improving allied interoperability in a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) environment, using NATO command and control reporting structures.
The Frigate “Bretagne”successfully intercepted a supersonic target flying over Mach 2 using its Herakles radar (Thales) SETIS Combat Management System (Naval Group) and the Aster 15 surface-to-air missile (MBDA).
According to the French Navy, the attacking supersonic target was destroyed in a few seconds by the Aster 15, after a nominal shooting sequence perfectly executed by the crew. This result confirms the versatility and outstanding performance of the FREMM.
Under the leadership of the Chief of Staff of the French Navy and with the constant support of the French defense procurement agency (DGA), the French Navy develops a high level of interoperability and integration with its allies, as a permanent member of the Maritime Theater Missile Defense (MTMD) forum. The participation of French naval units in this type of exercise will continue in the future in order to maintain Marine Nationale’s engagement capabilities at the highest level against the toughest threats.
According to the French Navy, the FREMM frigates’ anti-air self-defense is based on the Aster 15 missile that can be fired at 360° from its launcher. The missile can reach its target up to a distance of about 30 kilometers, at the speed of MACH 3 (3,700km/h). It can destroy aircraft and sea-skimming supersonic anti-ship missiles.
