As a missile frigate, the Forbin is outfitted with a primarily missile-minded weapons suite. 1 x PAAMS (Principle Anti-Air Missile System) is fitted as a vertical-launching block of missiles embedded into the surface deck. This system is capable of firing 48 x Aster 15/30 anti-air missiles at incoming aerial targets such as aircraft and cruise missiles. 1 x Sadral launcher (6 x Mistral anti-aircraft missiles) is fitted over the helicopter hangar door facing the stern. To counter surface warships, the Forbin is granted 8 x Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles. Submarines are threatened by the Forbin's 2 x MU90 torpedo tubes and close-in defense is handled by 2 x 76mm OTO-Breda autocannon deck guns as well as 2 x 20mm Modele F2 cannons.
The Forbin's profile consists of a well-shaped forecastle leading to the superstructure. A pair of deck guns are fitted at turrets to either front side of the superstructure. The bridge (identified by its large observation windows) is seated above the gun turrets. An enclosed mast is set aft of the bridge and is home to the available processing, tracking, communications and sensor systems. A large radome caps the enclosure. A main mast is set at amidships. There are two enclosed, low-profile smoke funnels, one next to the main mast and the other just aft of amidships. There is a full-service hangar completing the superstructure as well as side-fitted boat launches for fast-craft interception. A flight deck is fitted at the stern and supports the launching and retrieval of up to a medium-lift helicopter type aircraft, typically the NHIndustries NH90 series transport helicopter. Sensors, tracking and processing systems include the S-1850 LRR 3-dimensional sentry radar system, an ABF TUS 4110 CL hull sonar array, a towed linear antenna, the PAAMS EMPAR multi-function G-Band radar suite and the NGDS countermeasures suite.
In accordance with other modern "stealth" initiatives regarding naval craft, the Forbin makes little use of hand rails and crevices so common to shipbuilding in decades past. Instead, many faceted surfaces are instituted to provide a smaller radar signature. Additionally, all vertical structures are enclosed and the smoke funnels are compact. The only noticeable railing is at the helo deck at the stern. All exhaust ports are also grated with special covers.
After some trials delays, the Forbin officially undertook her first cruise in 2009 which saw her visit international partners at ports in North American and North Africa before returning to France. She then took part in coalition operations centered on "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan before planning her second return home. Setting sail once more, she supported the French fleet - led by the carrier Charles de Gaulle - in October of 2010 operating in and around the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions. She partook in active anti-piracy operations near Somalia and, once again, supported Afghanistan-related military operations.
The FS Forbin maintains an active service status in the French fleet as of August 2013.
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