catapults. Fire control was via the DRBI 23 3D radar for air search/tracking housed in a massive radome that dominated the ship's silhouette. The Suffren class also mounted DRBN 32, DRBV 50, two DRBR 51 and DRBC 32A radars. For anti-submarine warfare, they were equipped with DUBV 23 hull-mounted sonar and DUBV 43 towed variable depth sonar. For electronic defence, the vessels initially mounted the Syllex chaff system. The SENIT I tactical data system coordinated sensor data. Modifications In 1977 to 1979, the MM38 Exocet anti-ship missile system was fitted to Suffren. The ship carried four missiles. The Masuraca system was upgraded between 1982–1985. Suffren had its DRBV 50 radar replaced with the advanced DRBV 15 system in 1989–1990 while also having its DRBC 32A gunfire control radar replaced with the newer DRBC 33A system. Furthermore during that refit, the Syllex outfit was replaced with the Dagaie and Sagaie electronic countermeasures systems. Additionally four single-mounted cannon were fitted two to each side of the ship abaft the DRBC 33A radar. Construction and career Suffren was named after the French admiral Pierre André de Suffren. Suffren accompanied the Clemenceau-class aircraft carriers on deployments and as a result was based with them as part of the French Atlantic Fleet upon entering service. In 1975, when the Clemenceaus were transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet, Suffren went with them and was based at Toulon. Suffrens service-life extension refit was delayed due to the ship's deployments to the Persian Gulf during the Iran–Iraq War. Suffrens refit took place from 1989 to 1990. Suffren was retired on 2 April 2001. The Suffren class was replaced by the s. Notes Citations References Suffren-class frigates Cold War frigates of France 1965 ships Ships built in France