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 Duquesne. The ship carried four missiles. The Masuraca system was upgraded between 1982–1985. In 1985, Duquesne had its DRBV 50 radar replaced with the advanced DRBV 15 system. Duquesne was modernised beginning in 1990 with the DRBC 32A gunfire control radar being replaced with the newer DRBC 33A system. Furthermore 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 Duquesne was constructed at the Lorient Arsenal () with the keel being laid in November 1964. The ship was launched on 12 February 1966 and commissioned into the French Navy on 1 April 1970. The ship was initially based at Brest with the rest of France's Atlantic Fleet. Duquesne 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, Duquesne later joined them and was based at Toulon beginning in 1977. The frigate took part in naval operations off Lebanon from 1982 to 1984 and participated in the early 1990s in naval operations off the former Yugoslavia. In 1992, the vessel joined the Naval Action Force. Duquesne was retired in 2008. The Suffren class was replaced by the s. Notes Citations References Suffren-class frigates Cold War frigates of France Frigates of France 1966 ships Ships built in France