In a major leap toward modern naval warfare, the French Navy recently conducted a live-fire maritime drone test, targeting a decommissioned amphibious assault vessel off the coast of Toulon. Though the modified unmanned hydrocycle drone narrowly missed the exact target point, the exercise marked a pivotal moment in France’s efforts to integrate autonomous systems into high-intensity combat scenarios.
The experimental strike took place on April 26 as part of France’s ambitious Polaris initiative, which focuses on preparing its naval fleet for evolving maritime threats. The drone, equipped with a mock explosive payload, was remotely guided to impact a cleared, environmentally safe target ship, which was fitted with a reinforced metal impact zone for safe testing.
Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, emphasized that this test was not just a demonstration of firepower but a validation of the fleet’s ability to integrate remotely controlled strike platforms into real-world operations.
“In today’s shifting geopolitical climate, preparing our forces for rapid-response, high-intensity operations is non-negotiable,” said Vaujour.
While the drone missed its mark due to steering limitations, the Navy considered the trial a success. Officials stated that key data was collected to refine future designs, particularly in guidance systems and payload deployment. These learnings are set to directly feed into the continued development of next-generation maritime drones, including the cutting-edge Seaquest S, developed by Sirehna, a subsidiary of French naval giant Naval Group.
This 10-meter unmanned vessel is built for extended missions of up to 24 hours and can adapt to different roles such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, anti-submarine operations, and surface attack missions—highlighting the French Navy’s pivot to modular, versatile technologies.
Industry observers have noted the French Navy’s efforts are aligned with trends seen in the Russia-Ukraine maritime conflict, where the use of maritime drones has rapidly evolved. Naval Group representatives have cited the short development cycles in war zones as a lesson, pushing France to innovate quickly and adapt its tactics every 6–9 months.
This development puts France in a competitive position in the global naval drone arms race, alongside the U.S., China, and Turkey.
