FREMM-DA Frigate with Reinforced Air Defense Enters French Navy Service

The French Navy has commissioned the first FREMM-DA multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capability, Alsace.

Alsace was handed over to the Navy by French shipbuilder Naval Group in April. It is the first of the two air defense frigates with enhanced air defense capability and the seventh FREMM multi-missions frigate ordered by OCCAr for the French defense procurement agency (Direction générale de l’armement - DGA).

The frigate’s role will be the anti-aircraft defense of major units such as the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, or that of PHA-type landing helicopter docks, within the framework of a naval air and amphibious group.

The FREMM DA uses the most advanced weapons systems and equipment, such as the Herakles multifunction radar, the Aster 15 and 30 and Exocet MM 40 missiles and the MU 90 torpedoes. Like the other units of the FREMM series, the warship carries the NH90 helicopter (Caïman Marine), whose use is supported by the SAMAHE system. The performance of the ship’s combat system are strengthened with increased radar and communication capabilities, a new radar and electro-optical fire control system as well as SETIS Combat Management System equipped with specific air defense functions.