The first French Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI), built by Naval Group, has officially begun its sea trials from the firm’s Lorient shipyard.
FDI vessels are designed and produced using the latest digital technology, making them the first frigates with a digital architecture that allows for quick adaptability to current and future threats.
The lead ship, named Amiral Ronarc’h (D660), is the first out of five planned FDIs under a contract awarded in 2017.
Amiral Ronarc’h is scheduled for delivery to the Navy by 2025.
Meanwhile, the four remaining frigates will follow by 2030. The first two have already been procured, while the next two will be ordered later.
L’Amiral Ronarc’h est à la mer.
Première des frégates de défense et d’intervention (FDI) qui constitueront, horizon 2030, le tiers de nos frégates de premier rang.
Fortement armées, dotées de capteurs derniers cris, elles sont capables d’opérer dans tous les domaines de lutte. pic.twitter.com/hiQACiYhXt
— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) October 7, 2024
Frigate of the Future
The FDI is suited for all types of warfare, including anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special forces operations.
With two data centers managing the ship’s software and applications, the FDI frigate is the first French warship designed to be natively protected against cyber threats.
Further, it is equipped with a dedicated asymmetric warfare system to combat small and close air and surface threats, including booby-trapped boats.
The ship features comprehensive surveillance and tracking capabilities, thanks to its Thales new generation Seafire radar with four fixed panels.
Features
The ship has a displacement of 4,500 tons, measures 122 meters (400 feet) long, and has a beam of 18 meters (59 feet). It accommodates 125 crew members in addition to 28 passengers.
With a maximum speed of 27 knots (31 miles/49.5 kilometers per hour), the FDI is armed with Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and artillery.
Designed for prolonged missions at sea, the FDI boasts an autonomy of 45 days — longer than the usual 30-day autonomy of typical frigates.
Additionally, the FDI frigate can carry a 10-ton helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle weighing up to 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds).
Greek Collaboration
Naval Group is simultaneously constructing FDIs for both the French and Greek naval forces, as part of a billion-euro deal inked in 2021.
The Amiral Ronarc’h serves as the model for the other ships to be built, including four FDI frigates procured by the Hellenic Navy.
Once the French frigate completes at least 10 voyages and various tests during its sea trials, the first-in-class Greek F-601 Kimon will follow.
In April 2024, Naval Group laid the keel of Athens’ third FDI.