In response to Germany’s growing militarization, the French Navy launched a new torpedo boat development program aimed at mass production in 1937. As part of the program, two boats were commissioned: VTB-11 and VTB-12. In March 1939, improved versions, VTB-13 and VTB-14, were added. Like the previous boats, they were constructed at the Loire shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. However, by the time of the Compiègne Armistice in 1940, VTB-13 was only 43% complete.

The Germans discovered both boats in the winter of 1941. They completed and commissioned the boats as SA 08 and SA 09. They underwent various trials in 1942–1943, during which engine clutch issues were identified. Despite this, the boats were accepted into service. Both vessels were damaged in the 1943–1944 bombings and returned to the French after the liberation. They underwent new trials and were first commissioned as artillery boats and later as rescue boats. VTB-13 received upgraded forward armament by 1948, but was removed from active service the following year and finally decommissioned in 1957.

The VTB-13 was introduced in Update 2.39 “Dance of Dragons”, in its 1948 configuration. Unlike its sister ship, it is equipped with a more powerful 20mm Oerlikon gun mounted in the stern and complemented by 7.7mm light machine guns. However, this increase in firepower came at the expense of torpedo armament, rendering the VTB-13 considerably less effective against larger ships.