France Navy's successfully tests laser weapon Helma-P system on frigate Forbin.

According to information published by the French Navy on June 20, 2023, on the Horizon class frigate Forbin in the Mediterranean, a test run of the HELMA-P system - a laser weapon developed for countering drones - was conducted by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), the Navy, and the company CILAS.
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Laser weapon Helma-P system on French Horizon class frigate Forbin. (Picture source: French Navy)

Laser weapon system

The HELMA-P (High Energy for Multiple Applications - Power) is a laser-based system primarily designed for combating drones. Its operating principle involves the discharge of energy onto stationary or moving targets, which can result in a variety of outcomes, including: impairing optical sensors by overloading them, causing malfunctions due to overheating, warping, perforating, cutting, or even igniting the target.

The impact on the target, which could be up to 1 km away from the laser system, is guaranteed through the use of a high-powered laser and can be accomplished within seconds.

During evaluations involving various drones in motion, all 38 out of 38 were successfully intercepted and brought down within 1km range and in just a few seconds.

The system is capable of executing a full operation from initial detection to neutralization, made possible by its integration with radar. The system's capability to neutralize multiple drones in sequence has been successfully demonstrated.

Potential uses for the HELMA-P extend beyond anti-drone measures, including the remote deactivation of ammunition and neutralization of improvised explosive devices.

About the frigate

For propulsion, Forbin uses two 23,330 kW (31,280 hp) GE/Avio LM2500 gas turbines, two 4,381 kW (5,875 hp) SEMT Pielstick 12 PA6 STC diesels, one beam propeller, and two 4-blade propellers.

The Forbin can reach a speed of 29 knots (54 km/h; 33 mph), or 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) on diesels. Her range is 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km; 8,100 mi) at 18 knots, or 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi) at 25 knots.

The frigate carries EDO, a 20-seat EFRC, and a Hurricane 733. She can accommodate 32 passengers or an admiral's staff. Its crew includes 26 officers, 110 petty officers, and 38 sailors.

Forbin is equipped with S-1850 LRR tri-dimensional sentry radar with IFF, ABF TUS 4110 CL hull sonar, and a towed linear antenna with an Alto torpedo detector.

She has a radar jammer, communication jammer, NGDS system (with 2 decoy launchers, REM, RIR, LAD), a Contralto system (with 2 acoustic decoy launchers), and a PAAMS EMPAR multifunction radar on G band for electronic warfare and decoys.

Her armament consists of one PAAMS (with 48 Aster 15 or 30 anti-air missiles in SYLVER A50 VLS), eight Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles (Block 3c variant), two MU90 torpedo tubes, two Otobreda 76 mm super rapid guns, and three Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled naval guns. There's also a space for a Sadral launcher with 6 Mistral missiles on the starboard roof of the hangar, but it's currently not equipped.