The new unit of the defense and intervention class expands the French program launched in 2017 and reinforces the focus on multi-mission ships designed for high-intensity warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and countering asymmetric threats.
France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has ordered from Naval Group the fifth defense and intervention frigate, known by the acronym FDI, in another step in the modernization of the French Navy. According to the official statement released by the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans, the order was formalized on March 31, 2026.
The FDI program, led by the DGA since 2017, was created to strengthen French surface forces with frontline, multi-role ships supported by advanced technologies. The initiative gained momentum after the delivery of the first unit of the class, the Amiral Ronarc’hto the French Navy on October 17, 2025. The ship is already deployed on long-duration missions, while the remaining deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2032.
According to the statement, the FDI frigates were designed to operate across multiple operational scenarios. Planned missions include anti-ship warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, countering asymmetric threats, cyber defense, and special forces projection. The French approach is to field vessels capable of operating in complex and high-intensity environments, combining combat capability, tactical flexibility, and massive data processing within a single platform.
The weapons package planned for the class includes Exocet MM40 B3c anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 and Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, MU90 torpedoes, and 20 mm and 76 mm artillery systems. The frigates can also simultaneously embark a helicopter and a drone, in addition to hosting a special forces detachment with two command boats.
Another highlight of the project is its digital architecture. The FDI ships feature a cyber-secure and redundant data center to support ship operations and the combat system. The design also incorporates a dedicated station to counter asymmetric threats, such as mini-drones and suicide boats, separate from the operations center responsible for other combat domains.
In terms of sensors, the frigate integrates all aerial sensors into a single mast, ensuring continuous 360-degree surveillance. The vessel also stands out as the first in the French Navy equipped with the SEAFIRE fixed-panel radar from Thales, along with sonars and other next-generation sensors focused on air defense and surface warfare.
The French government also emphasizes that the FDI has already established itself as a success on 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 importance of the program for France’s naval defense industry.
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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
