DGA Orders 7 Patrol Boats for French Navy

The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has greenlit the acquisition of seven offshore patrol vessels for the French Navy for €900 million.

The order, placed on November 17, involves three contracts.

The production contract has been awarded to a temporary consortium comprising CMN, Piriou, and Socarenam. Naval Group secures a contract for project management assistance and constructing the combat direction system. Additionally, Thales will outfit the vessels with cutting-edge maritime surveillance equipment, including Bluewatcher hull sonar, compact multi-mission surveillance radar, and an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system.

The initiative addresses a shortfall in the second-rate vessel segment, responding to the decommissioning of existing offshore patrol vessels. The program aims to reinforce naval capabilities in Brest, Toulon, and Cherbourg, the DGA said in a statement.

The offshore patrol vessels are designed to meet the challenges of increased maritime traffic and evolving sea threats. Their diverse missions include deterrence support, presence in sovereign and strategic areas, evacuation, protection, escort, and intervention in state actions at sea. Noteworthy features include robust information processing, efficient seakeeping, and the ability to deploy helicopters or drones for aero maritime missions.

Aligned with the 2024-2030 military programming law, the first delivery is slated for 2026, with a total of ten offshore patrol vessels expected to be operational by 2035.