Image source: topwar.ru
In the context of the massive use of UAVs in combat, the French Navy decided to equip the ships with a 40-mm RapidFire artillery system, which is allegedly capable of effectively combating this threat.
As indicated in the Le Marin publication, the new product, developed by Nexter and Thales, has completed factory tests and will begin to enter service with multi-purpose patrol ships that will replace outdated PHM and PSP classes of the same type, and may also be installed on minesweepers and a promising aircraft carrier.
Two recently commissioned supply vessels of the Jacques Chevallier (BRF) project are already equipped with RapidFire, having received two guns on board.
Image source: topwar.ru
RapidFire is designed to protect ships at short distances from aerial and ground threats, including drones, light aircraft, and missiles. The new product is based on the 40-mm 40 CTAS artillery system ("weapon system for telescopic ammunition").
RapidFire is remotely controlled and equipped with a gyrostabilized optoelectronic control system. It allows one operator to detect, identify and hit targets. The system can fire up to 180 rounds per minute, the BC includes 140 ready-to-fire projectiles, and the effective range is up to 4,000 m.
The 900 million euro program for the transition to a new class of maritime patrol ships provides for the construction of 10 pennants, 7 of which have already been ordered for delivery from 2027 to 2030, and 3 more are planned to be delivered from 2031 to 2034. The future pennants will have a length of 92 m and a total displacement of almost 2,400 tons, making them the largest patrol ships in the history of the French navy.
