On May 21, 2025, according to the information reported by various media, including Nexta and Regional Defense Observers, the French Navy deployed its Dupuy Intelligence Ship of Lôme (A759) to the Baltic Sea for the first time, launching a high priority surveillance mission destined to intercept and analyze Russian maritian communications. Especially developed as an electromagnetic research ship (Navire de Recherches electro-Magnétiques), Dupuy de Lôme is a key asset in the Naval Intelligence Arsenal in France.
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On May 20, 2025, the intelligence ship of the French Navy FS Dupuy de Lôme (A759) was photographed in Helsinki, Finland, before its first operational deployment in the Baltic Sea to monitor Russian maritime activities. (Image source: Toni Mikkola X) Account
Operated by the French Military Intelligence Directorate (DRM), the ship has the task of collecting and processing intelligence signals (Sigint) in support of joint military operations. Released in March 2004, commissioned in October 2005, and based in Brest since July 1, 2006, this deployment highlights France’s participation in NATO maritime security initiatives and its commitment to counteract illegal Russian operations in northern Europe.
The mission of the intelligence ship of the French Navy Dupuy de Lôme in the Baltic is very focused: monitoring the operations of the so -called «Shadow Fleet» of Russia, a network of aging and operational oil tankers that is used to avoid international sanctions. These ships often operate under false flags, with opaque property structures and without adequate insurance or identification, raising substantial threats for maritime safety and the environment. With its sophisticated Sigint, Dupuy de Lôme capabilities has the task of identifying radio communications, radar firms and other electromagnetic emissions that could expose these clandestine logistics operations.
The deployment was first informed by the New Bearly and visually confirmed medium confirmed by defense observer Toni Mikkola, who photographed Dupuy de Lôme in Port At Helsinki on May 20, 2025. The movement occurs in the midst of growing regional tensions. The same day, the Kremlin declared his intention to defend Russian vessels in the Baltic «by all media», after an Estonian attempt to seize an alleged Shadow Cistern. In retaliation, Russia temporarily stopped a Greek property oil company that had been separated from Estonia. Meanwhile, the Polish Navy responded to suspicious maneuvers by a Russian ship sanctioned near an underwater feeding cable between Poland and Sweden, sending the ORP Heweliusz to investigate.
The implementation of France is a key element of the «Baltic Sentry» initiative of NATO, which focuses on protecting maritime infrastructure and enforcing sanctions through intelligence and real -time monitoring. In this context, Dupuy de Lôme operates as a floating surveillance center, offering NATO an advanced platform for strategic situational consciousness in one of Europe’s most disputed maritime areas.
Technically, Dupuy de Lôme is a 101.75 m long container with a 15.85 m and a draft of 4.91 m. Displaces 3,100 T under normal conditions and up to 3,600 t completely loaded. The ship has a transit speed of 16 kN, a range of 3,400 NMI at that speed, and a resistance of up to 30 days at sea. The propulsion is provided by two MAK 9 m 25 diesel engines that generate 2,990 kW combined (4,065 HP), backed by two arc thrusts and an integral auxiliary energy system, including Caterpillar’s diesel alternators and axis generators that deliver up to 2,720 kW in total.
The container is equipped with two DRBN-38 radar systems and a ARB-21 electronic countermeasures detector. While slightly armed with two heavy machine guns of 12.7 mm for self -defense, its main resistance lies in its integral electronic warfare systems and surveillance. Operated by a reduced naval crew of only 30 people, the ship also leads to 80 specialized intelligence technicians. On board systems include integrated command architecture and a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), which allows rapid efficient and diagnostic operations.
With its deployment in the Baltic, the intelligence ship of the French Navy, Dupuy de Lôme, significantly strengthens NATO surveillance capabilities at a time of high geopolitical tensions. The intelligence ship embodies the technological advantage and strategic commitment of France to safeguard European maritime security. As the operations of the shadow fleet and maritime provocations persist, Dupuy de Lôme’s mission reinforces the vital role of electromagnetic intelligence in the defense of international standards and guarantees the integrity of the maritime domain of NATO.
