F21®

Designed to replace the F17, the F21® is the heavy torpedo developed under the Artémis program, led by the DGA, to equip both conventional submarines and nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). Qualified on all classes of French submarines, the F21® has also been selected by the Brazilian Navy to equip its four Scorpène® submarines. 

ReadBrésil : Livraison du troisième sous-marin brésilien scorpène et lancement du quatrième

During the launch phase, guidance is provided through passive fibre-optic wire guidance, enabling the torpedo to exchange large volumes of information with the submarine throughout its mission. If the wire is severed, the torpedo becomes fully autonomous, capable of resuming the course and operating depth initially programmed.

Its onboard intelligence enables it to operate and manoeuvre in complex environments, including coastal waters, recognise decoys and adapt its speed to maximise impact power. With its high endurance, the torpedo can engage distant targets, redirect towards another target during a mission, and even attempt a second attack should the first fail. With more than 100 sea trials contributing to its development, the F21® has proven highly reliable. Now entering a mature phase, its incremental development ensures the F21® remains an evolving and upgradable torpedo.