On April 4, 2012, the Forbin Air Defense Destroyer destroyed a supersonic target simulating an antiship missile at very low altitude. The target, a GQM 163A Coyote, was launched from the French Military's Missile Test Center based on the island of Levant (French Riviera). The Forbin, head of Horizon class AAW Destroyer, intercepted the target in flight with its Aster 30 missile while Chevalier Paul, second ship of Horizon class, was tracking both the target and the missiles launched by Forbin.
The test, a first in Europe, was "highly technical," according to French Ministry of Defence and a success.
"This test, conducted in collaboration with the French Procurement Agency, strengthens the ability of the French Navy to ensure the protection of forces at sea (carrier battle group or amphibious battle groups) against threats of the most stringent anti-ship missiles. It is, moreover, a first in Europe, during which the two destroyers were prepared and have completed a complex operational scenario, facing a supersonic sea-skimming threat." says the French MoD in an official statement.
The Forbin and Chevalier Paul destroyers are equipped with the Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS), a joint French/Italian/British programme for a naval anti-aircraft weapon. Both vessels have been during Operation Harmattan. Off the coast of Libya, they have ensured the protection of naval groups around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Tonnerre and Mistral LHDs. They also conducted coastal fire support operations and coordinated the air activity for the coalition operating off the coast of Libya, function known as "Red crown".
