New unit of the defense and intervention class expands the French program started in 2017 and reinforces the focus on multi-mission ships prepared for high-intensity warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and combating asymmetric threats.
The French General Armament Directorate (DGA) ordered the Naval Group the fifth defense and intervention frigate, known by the acronym FDI, in another step in the modernization process of the French National Navy. According to the official statement released by the Ministry of Armed Forces and Former Combatants, the order was formalized on March 31, 2026.
The FDI program, led by DGA since 2017, it was created to reinforce French surface forces with first-rate, multipurpose ships supported by advanced technologies. The initiative gained momentum after the delivery of the first unit in the class, the Amiral Ronarc’hto the French Navy on October 17, 2025. The ship is already on long-duration deployment, while remaining deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2032.
According to the statement, the FDI frigates were designed to operate in multiple operational scenarios. Among the planned missions are anti-ship warfare, anti-aircraft defense, anti-submarine warfare, combating asymmetric threats, cyber defense and projection of special forces. The French proposal is to have vessels capable of operating in complex and high-intensity environments, bringing together combat capacity, tactical flexibility and massive data processing on a single platform.
The weapons package planned for the class includes anti-ship missiles Exocet MM40 B3cAster 15 and Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, MU90 torpedoes and 20 mm and 76 mm artillery. The frigates can also simultaneously embark a helicopter and a drone, in addition to receiving a special forces detachment with two command vessels.
Another highlight of the project is the digital architecture. The IDF has a cyber-secure and redundant data center to support the conduct of the ship and the operation of the combat system. The model also incorporates a specific post to face asymmetric threats, such as mini-drones and suicide boats, separate from the operations center responsible for other combat domains.
In the sensor area, the frigate brings together all aerial sensors on a single mast, ensuring permanent 360-degree surveillance. The ship also stands out for being the first in the French Navy equipped with Thales’ SEAFIRE fixed panel radar, as well as state-of-the-art sonars and other sensors aimed at anti-aircraft and anti-surface defense.
The French government also highlights that FDI has already established itself as a success in the international market, being recognized by client countries for its high level of performance. The new order reinforces not only the renewal of the French fleet, but also the strategic weight of the program for the French naval defense industry.
Source and image: French Ministry of the Armed Forces / Naval Group. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
