Naval Group Launches First Defense and Intervention Frigate for French Navy

Naval Group launched Amiral Ronarc’h, the first defence and intervention (FDI) frigate built for the French Navy, in Lorient, on November 7.

This frigate will be delivered in 2024.

The ceremony took place in presence of Sébastien Lecornu, French minister of the Armed Forces, and his Greek counterpart, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos.

The first sea trials will begin in 2023 and the ship will be delivered in 2024. The remaining four ships of the series will be delivered until 2030. During this period, Naval Group will also produce three FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy, with a fourth currently planned as an option.

The FDI is capable of operating, alone or within a naval force. It offers capabilities for all types of warfare: anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine and as well as for Special Forces projection.

The FDI will be the first French frigate natively protected against cyber threats, with two data centers virtually accommodating a great part of the ship applications. The FDI introduces the concept of a dedicated system for asymmetric warfare. This system will enable the coordination and conduct of the fight against small and close air and surface threats, including booby trapped boats.

Strongly armed (Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, MU90 antisubmarine torpedoes, artillery), the FDI is able to embark simultaneously a helicopter (10 tons class such as NH90) or the future Joint Light Helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle (up to 700kg). It can also receive a Special Forces detachment with their two commando boats. They are equipped with the new generation Seafire radar with four fixed panels, developed by Thales.

Technical specifications:

displacement: 4,500 tons class;

length: 122 meters;

beam: 18 meters;

max. speed: 27 knots;

autonomy: 45 days;

accomodation: 125-persons crew + 28 passengers.