The new unit in the defense and intervention class expands the French program launched in 2017 and strengthens the commitment to multi-mission vessels designed for high-intensity warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and combating asymmetric threats.
The French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) has ordered the fifth frigate for defense and intervention, known as FDI, from Naval Groupas a new step in the modernization of the French Navy. According to the official announcement from the Ministry of Defense and Veterans, the order was formalized on March 31, 2026.
The FDI programme, led by DGA since 2017, was created to strengthen France’s surface fleet with first class, multi-role vessels supported by advanced technology. The initiative gained momentum after the delivery of the first unit in its class, Amiral Ronarc’hto the French Navy on 17 October 2025. The ship is already in long-term operations, while the other deliveries are planned between 2027 and 2032.
According to the announcement, the FDI frigates are designed to operate in multiple operational scenarios. Missions include anti-ship warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, countering asymmetric threats, cyber defense and special forces projection. The French approach is to have vessels that can operate in complex and high-intensity environments, and that combine combat capability, tactical flexibility and extensive data processing in one platform.
The weapon pack for the class includes Exocet MM40 B3c anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 and Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, MU90 torpedoes and 20 mm and 76 mm artillery. The frigates can also simultaneously operate a helicopter and a drone, as well as housing a special forces unit with two commando boats.
Another important aspect of the project is the digital architecture. The FDI vessels are equipped with a cyber-secure and redundant data center to support the ship’s operations and combat system. The design also includes a dedicated station to handle asymmetric threats, such as mini drones and suicide boats, separate from the operations center that handles other combat domains.
In terms of sensors, the frigate gathers all air sensors in one mast, ensuring continuous 360-degree monitoring. The ship also has the distinction of being the first in the French Navy to be equipped with the SEAFIRE radar with fixed panels from Thales, as well as sonars and other sensors of the latest generation for air and surface defense.
The French government also highlights that FDI has already established itself as a success on the international market, and is recognized by client countries for its high level of performance. The new order not only strengthens the renewal of the French fleet, but also the program’s strategic importance for France’s maritime defense industry.
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Source and image: French Ministry of Defense / Naval Group. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors
