France to Build 10 Boats under Future Ocean Patrol Program

The French MOD’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has launched the Future Ocean Patrol Program (FOPP) to build 10 FOPP boats.

Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces, assembled on June 10 a Ministerial Investment Committee devoted to the launching of the future ocean patrol program.

Ten ocean patrol boats will replace the deep sea patrol boats (PHM) based in Brest and Toulon and the Cherbourg public service patrol boats, a DGA release said Thursday.

Provided for in the 2019-2025 military programming law, this arming operation will result in first deliveries from 2025.

In a context marked by the increase in maritime traffic and the toughening of threats at sea, patrol boats fulfill a very broad spectrum of missions: support for deterrence, presence in areas of sovereignty and interest, evacuation, protection, escort and intervention in the framework of State action at sea, a DGA release said.

In accordance with the priorities set by the 2019-2025 military programming law, the acquisition of ten ocean patrol boats will make up  for the disarmament of high seas patrol boats (PHM) already commenced.

Validated by the Minister of the Armed Forces, this armament program will make the most of national skills in the fields of development, construction and naval equipment. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2025.