France tested its own kamikaze sea drone, similar to the Ukrainian Magura V5

The French Navy has tested a new naval kamikaze drone as part of the POLARIS initiative, a high-intensity combat training exercise. During the experiment, the drone hit a decommissioned Chaland de Transport de Matériel (CTM) barge that had been reinforced with car tires and metal sheets to prevent it from sinking, Defense Express reports.

The French Navy Command reported that one of the main objectives of the test was to test new kamikaze naval drones and gain practical experience in their use. Although nothing is known about the characteristics of the new device at the moment, visually and conceptually it resembles the Ukrainian Magura V5, which has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness in the Black Sea.

This is not the first such experiment within the framework of the POLARIS initiative. Previously, the French military also detonated a sea mine near its own frigate, practicing to act in conditions of threats from the sea. In addition, the French Navy has already conducted exercises to counter attacks by naval and air drones - then, in particular, a Jaguar armored vehicle was secured with chains on the deck to simulate repelling an attack with minimal losses.

France is likely taking into account Ukraine's combat experience in the field of unmanned maritime operations, preparing for possible conflicts amid growing threats from Russia and China.