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Hello everyone and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I’m presenting a ship of the F70 class: the Dupleix (D641).
Laid down in the 1970s, the Dupleix was built at the Lorient naval shipyard. It was launched in 1978 before entering active service with the French Navy in 1981. The second unit of the F70 ASW class, it was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare.
From the moment it entered service, the Dupleix was integrated into the French naval force and participated in numerous surveillance and escort missions, particularly in support of French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Thanks to its specialized equipment, such as its sonar and torpedoes, as well as its embarked helicopter, it was particularly well-suited for detecting and tracking enemy submarines.
Throughout its career, the Dupleix took part in numerous operations and deployments around the world. It is notably deployed in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, where it participates in maritime security missions and naval presence operations. It also participates in multinational operations. In the 1990s and 2000s, with the evolving nature of threats, the Dupleix’s role expanded. It participated in crisis management missions, maritime embargo operations, and power projection missions. It is notably deployed during conflicts or regional tensions, where it contributes to the surveillance of sensitive areas and the enforcement of international resolutions. For example, it participated in the embargo against Iraq in the 1990s by patrolling the Gulf of Aden.
The ship is also involved in operations to combat maritime terrorism and illicit trafficking, particularly in strategic areas such as the Arabian Sea and the Mediterranean. Its versatility and robustness make it a reliable vessel, capable of adapting to a wide variety of missions.
Over the years, the Dupleix underwent several modernizations aimed at extending its service life and maintaining its operational capabilities in the face of technological advancements. However, with the arrival of newer and more efficient vessels, it was gradually withdrawn from active service in the early 2010s. The Dupleix was finally decommissioned in 2014, after more than three decades of service with the French Navy. It leaves behind a distinguished career, marked by numerous deployments and active participation in French naval operations during a pivotal period, from the Cold War to the modern era.
Finally, the ship takes its name from Joseph François Dupleix, an 18th-century French historical figure, Governor-General of the French establishments in India, known for his role in expanding French influence in Asia.
Characteristics
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Length : 139 m
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Width : 15 m
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Draft : 5.5 m
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Mass : 4,500 tons
The vessel is powered by a 26,000 hp Rolls-Royce Olympus TM3B gas turbine engine, complemented by two 5,000 hp SEMT Pielstick 16PA6 diesel engines. This allows it to reach a speed of 30 knots with the gas engines and 15 knots with the diesel engines. Its range is 8,000 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots.
The crew consists of 240 sailors.
Equipment
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Radar :
- DRBV 15A global surveillance radar
- DRBV 26A air search radar
- DRBC 33A fire control radar
- DRBN 34 navigation radar
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IRST :
- DIBV 2A IRST
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Sonar :
- DUBV 24C hull sonar
- DUBV 43B/C depth sonar
- DSBV 61 towed sonar
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Decoys and threat detection :
- ARBB 36 jammer
- ARBR 16 radar interceptor (RWR)
- SQL 25 NIXIZ torpedo decoy
- 2 x DAGAIE decoy lancher
- 4 x Irvin Aerospace decoy launcher
Weapons
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Guns :
- 1 x 100mm Mle 1968 DCN/GIAT
- 2 x 20mm F2 GIAT
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Torpedos :
- 2 x Torpedo tude (L5 torpedo or Mu90)
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Missiles :
- 4 or 8 x MM40 Exocet missiles
- 1 x Crotale EDIR (8 missiles)
- 2 x SIMBAD CIWS (2 x 2 Mistral missiles)
In addition to these weapons, the ship can carry a combat helicopter in its hangar and deploy it via the helipad at the stern. The model used is the Linx Mk4 until its decommissioning, then the NH90 until the ship’s decommissioning.
In game this ship would be the most powerfully armed French ship in terms of anti-submarine and anti-ship combat before the arrival of new generation ships with discreet coatings. This ship would therefore be a very interesting addition to the French tree, bringing a powerfully armed combat ship when adding similar ships in the game
Sources
- https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/compilation-de-prises-de-vues-aerienne-de-navires-de-la-marine-nationale.html
- https://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2026-04/Etat%20des%20fonds_Brest_2023-1.pdf
- https://memorial-national-des-marins.fr/images/batiment/La%20corvette%20Dupleix%20en%20mission%20Olifant-Web.pdf
- La frégate Dupleix va tirer sa révérance | Mer et Marine
- https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/ultime-sortie-a-la-mer-pour-le-dupleix
- La frégate Dupleix intégrée à une force navale britannique | Mer et Marine
*FS Dupleix D-641 Frigate F70AS French Navy Marine Nationale - * DUPLEIX (1981/2015)
- DUPLEIX (FRÉGATE) - Page 2