The new defense and intervention class unit expands the French program launched in 2017 and strengthens the deployment on multirole ships prepared for high-intensity war, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and countering asymmetric threats.
De France Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) heeft bij Naval Group ordered the fifth defense and intervention frigate, known by the abbreviation FDI, as a new step in the modernization of the French Navy. According to the official statement from the Ministry of Defense and Veterans, the order was formalized on March 31, 2026.
The FDI program, led since 2017 by the DGAwas created to strengthen the French surface fleet with first-line, versatile ships supported by advanced technologies. The program received a boost after the delivery of the first ship of the class, the Amiral Ronarc’hto the French Navy on October 17, 2025. The ship has already been deployed for long-duration missions, while the remaining deliveries are planned between 2027 and 2032.
According to the statement, the FDI frigates are designed to operate in multiple operational scenarios. Planned missions include anti-ship warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, countering asymmetric threats, cyber defense and deployment of special forces. The French approach focuses on ships that can operate in complex and intensive environments, combining combat capability, tactical flexibility and large-scale data processing on a single platform.
The weapon system of the class includes Exocet MM40 B3c anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 and Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, MU90 torpedoes and 20mm and 76mm guns. The frigates can also deploy a helicopter and a drone simultaneously, as well as take on board a detachment of special forces with two command boats.
Another important feature of the design is the digital architecture. The FDI ships have a cyber-secure and redundant data center to support the operation of the ship and the combat system. The design also includes a separate post for combating asymmetric threats, such as mini-drones and suicide boats, separated from the operations center responsible for other combat domains.
In terms of sensors, the frigate integrates all air sensors into a single mast, ensuring continuous 360-degree surveillance. The ship also has the distinction of being the first of the French Navy to be equipped with Thales’ SEAFIRE fixed-panel radar, as well as sonar and other latest-generation sensors focused on air defense and surface warfare.
The French government also emphasizes that FDI has already proven itself as a success in the international market and is recognized by client countries for its high level of performance. The new order not only reinforces the renewal of the French fleet, but also the strategic importance of the program for the French defense industry at sea.
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Source and image: Ministry of the Armed Forces of France / Naval Group. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editors
