France tests a kamikaze maritime drone by hitting a barge
The French Navy has conducted a new test of a maritime drone, during which it attacked a decommissioned material barge, the Chaland de Transport de Matériel (CTM).
Here's What We Know
The French Navy tested a kamikaze maritime drone as part of the POLARIS initiative, hitting the decommissioned Chaland de Transport de Matériel barge. The barge's hull was struck in a place that was additionally protected by car tyres and sheet metal - presumably to avoid sinking.
The experiment had several goals: to test the combat effectiveness of the drone, to practice its tactics, and to assess the consequences of such a strike on surface targets. Details about the drone itself have not yet been disclosed, but it resembles the Ukrainian Magura V5 in visual appearance.
"This experiment, which took place against the backdrop of an increasingly unstable international situation, is part of the latest experiments carried out by the French Navy to improve the readiness of crews and ships for high-intensity combat operations," wrote French Navy Chief of Staff Nicolas Vaujour.
Marine redoutée. La Marine protects la liberté de navigation en mer Rouge against all menaces, including drones. La Marine teste aussi ses propres drones d'attaque et munitions télé-opérées pour augmenter sa létalité. pic.twitter.com/4MgQdfaVyx
- Chef d'état-major de la Marine (@CEMM_FR) 29 April 2025
Earlier, as part of the same POLARIS initiative, the French have already tested the detonation of a sea mine next to their own frigate. The French military command directly indicates that it is studying Ukraine's combat experience. In particular, the French navy has already trained to repel massive attacks by sea and air drones.
It is worth noting that Sirehna, a company of the French defence giant Naval Group, is already testing a prototype of its Seaquest S multi-purpose maritime drone, which was developed based on the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Source: X
