Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) Horizon-type air defense destroyer Forbin successfully intercepted a AASM precision guided munition (PGM) launched from a Rafale Marine using an Aster 30 surface to air missile.
The firing took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 and Naval News was aboard to bring you this exclusive coverage, including interviews with the Commanding Officer, Captain Pasco, as well as with one of the Principal Warfare Officers in the CIC.
This type of firing trains crews to deal with high-intensity situations likely to be encountered by French Navy combat vessels in operation. In this instance, the Forbin neutralized, in "Reflex Action Mode", a AASM PGM representing a fast-moving air threat with a low radar signature and no electro-magnetic signature. To make the scenario even more complex, the PGM was not targeted at Forbin but at a target simulating a Mistral-class LHD conduction amphibious operations.
"Reflex Action Mode" means the PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) aboard Forbin automatically detected, classified and identified as hostile, tracked and launch the missile to intercept the AASM target with virtually no human intervention. In addition the engagement was realistic because the crew didn't know from where and when the target would appear.
The tactical and technical lessons learned from this firing will contribute to developing the French Navy's combat capabilities.
This interception also demonstrates the technical and operational capabilities of the Horizon type (Forbin-class) air defense destroyers, relying on trained and efficient sailors with excellent proficiency of the systems aboard the warship.
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NAVAL NEWS is fully focused on naval topics. We cover the latest naval defense shows & events. We also report on naval technology from all over the world. Navalnews.com is updated daily with in-depth features, industry, and naval forces news round-ups, event coverage, video reports and more. Our top of the line site is responsive across all mobile and desktop devices.
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) Horizon-type air defense destroyer Forbin successfully intercepted a AASM precision guided munition (PGM) launched from a Rafale Marine using an Aster 30 surface to air missile.
The firing took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 and Naval News was aboard to bring you this exclusive coverage, including interviews with the Commanding Officer, Captain Pasco, as well as with one of the Principal Warfare Officers in the CIC.
This type of firing trains crews to deal with high-intensity situations likely to be encountered by French Navy combat vessels in operation. In this instance, the Forbin neutralized, in "Reflex Action Mode", a AASM PGM representing a fast-moving air threat with a low radar signature and no electro-magnetic signature. To make the scenario even more complex, the PGM was not targeted at Forbin but at a target simulating a Mistral-class LHD conduction amphibious operations.
"Reflex Action Mode" means the PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) aboard Forbin automatically detected, classified and identified as hostile, tracked and launch the missile to intercept the AASM target with virtually no human intervention. In addition the engagement was realistic because the crew didn't know from where and when the target would appear.
The tactical and technical lessons learned from this firing will contribute to developing the French Navy's combat capabilities.
This interception also demonstrates the technical and operational capabilities of the Horizon type (Forbin-class) air defense destroyers, relying on trained and efficient sailors with excellent proficiency of the systems aboard the warship.
=====================
For new videos every week, subscribe here! youtube.com/c/NavalNews?sub_confirmation=1
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/navalnewscom
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/navalnews
Like us on Facebook: fb.me/navalnewscom
Check out our daily naval defense news coverage at: navalnews.com
NAVAL NEWS is fully focused on naval topics. We cover the latest naval defense shows & events. We also report on naval technology from all over the world. Navalnews.com is updated daily with in-depth features, industry, and naval forces news round-ups, event coverage, video reports and more. Our top of the line site is responsive across all mobile and desktop devices.
