DCNS Wins French Contract To Modernize La Fayette-class Stealth Frigates

DCNS has won a contract from the Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA) to modernize three La Fayette Frigates (FLF) serving in the French navy. 

This award is in line with the decision of Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Defense, taken in the Ministerial Investment Committee, to launch this refit and upgrade program.

This modernization project, which will start in 2020, will be carried out in Toulon in line with the scheduled technical shutdowns of the frigates, The french ministry of defense announced in a statement today.

The first renovated FLF will be delivered in 2021. They entered service between 1996 and 2001. 

The modernization will concern both the platform and the combat system. It will include renovations to the structure and electronic and computer systems to manage the ship's installations (propulsion, steering gear, power plant, etc.). 

The combat management system, which manages the sensors and weapons, will be replaced by a version derived from that of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

The tactical data links will be modernized and the Crotale anti-aircraft defense system will be replaced by two upgraded SADRAL launchers.

The plan also includes integration of hull-mounted sonar and anti-torpedo countermeasures to FLF.