“Naval Group Launches State-of-the-Art FDI Frigate Amiral Ronarc’h for France’s Naval Forces”
Naval Group formally transferred the first Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) Amiral Ronarc’h to the French Navy during a ceremony conducted in Brest. This vessel, launched by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), marks the initiation of a fresh fleet of five adaptable frigates aimed at strengthening France’s maritime prowess.
Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naval Group, stated: “The transfer of Amiral Ronarc’h, the inaugural frigate of the FDI series, represents a notable milestone for Naval Group. This next-generation fleet of elite multi-role frigates will soon begin operational cycles, thereby enhancing the capabilities of our French Navy, thanks to its outstanding attributes, already demonstrated during sea trials. We are completely committed to this comprehensive program, which we take great pride in delivering for the French Navy.”
Building on the legacy of the French FREMM class, the FDI is an advanced, multifunctional frigate designed for high-intensity operations across all combat arenas — anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare. The ship incorporates state-of-the-art digital technologies and data-processing systems, enabling it to address emerging threats such as next-gen submarines, supersonic missiles, cyber-attacks, and asymmetric conflicts.
The Amiral Ronarc’h demonstrated its seaworthiness during 14 weeks of maritime evaluations, confirming the ship’s ability to operate effectively even in challenging conditions, including Force 6 sea states in the Atlantic Ocean. Its streamlined architecture and cohesive automation systems allow for operation with a reduced crew while ensuring high standards of maintainability and operational readiness.
Constructed at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard, the Amiral Ronarc’h displaces 4,500 tonnes, stretches 122 meters in length, and spans 18 meters in width. The frigate reaches a top speed of 27 knots, has an endurance of 45 days, and accommodates 125 crew members along with an additional 28 personnel. It is armed with MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles, MBDA Aster 15 and Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, Naval Group MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, as well as artillery, a 10-tonnage helicopter, and an unmanned aerial vehicle weighing up to 700 kilograms.
Naval Group has developed an industrial approach that allows for the production of up to two FDI frigates each year. An additional five vessels are currently under construction at Lorient — four for the French Navy (Amiral Louzeau, Amiral Castex, Amiral Nomy, and Amiral Cabanier) and one, the Kimon, for the Hellenic Navy, which has already commenced sea trials. The second FDI for Greece is scheduled for delivery by the close of 2025, with two more units to follow in 2026 and one for the French Navy in 2027.
Every FDI signifies one million hours of construction effort and an equivalent amount in design and development, engaging 1,200 Naval Group personnel and 400 collaborative firms. Built in compliance with NATO standards, the frigate ensures complete interoperability and connectivity with allied naval forces, embodying the rejuvenation and modernization of France’s naval fleet.
