Naval Group Commences Construction of Groundbreaking Defense Frigate

On Thursday, December 16, in Lorient, Naval Group initiated the assembly of the inaugural defense and intervention frigate commissioned by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) and intended for the French Navy. This significant milestone signifies the commencement of the vessel’s construction within the assembly hall. The frigate is set for delivery in 2024 and is the first of a batch of five vessels to be handed over between 2024 and 2030.

On the same date, the Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM), the integrated mast of the FDI, was also activated. This critical achievement represents the beginning of the evaluation of the frigate’s comprehensive combat system, several months ahead of its ultimate integration onto the ship.

Pierre Eric Pommellet, the CEO of Naval Group, stated: “We take great pride in being here today to celebrate this essential achievement in the industrial fabrication of the first defense and intervention frigate for the French Navy. These versatile, cyber-secure, and adaptable vessels will guarantee superiority in information handling and engagement, as well as endurance at sea for the naval forces that will operate them. Already selected by Greece for its Navy, this vessel will further enable Naval Group to expand its global reach. We are unwavering in our dedication to enhancing the sovereignty of France and our allied nations.”

Dynamic industrial operations at the Naval Group Lorient facility: designer, builder, and integrator of the ship.

Five FDI frigates are planned to be commissioned by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) for the French Navy. This initiative strengthens the technological edge of the French naval industrial framework and of Naval Group specifically.

The inaugural vessel in this series will be designated Amiral Ronarc’h, after a distinguished admiral who served as the Chief of Staff of the French Navy from 1919 to 1920, notable for his exemplary contributions during World War I at the helm of marines and sailors.

The FDI initiative will bolster employment across the shipbuilding sector throughout France, particularly in Lorient and at the Naval Group facility.

Key industrial statistics

• 100% digital design – zero paper documentation
• Robust and decentralized IT infrastructure supported by two data centers
• 1 million hours of production labor for each series unit at the Naval Group Lorient facility
• 1 million hours of planning and development for the initiative
• Over 1,200 Naval Group employees dedicated full-time to the project
• 400 subcontractors Numerous export prospects Naval Group is strategically positioned in the segment of intermediate tonnage vessels with Belh@rra®, the designation of the FDI frigate for international markets. Following the signing on September 28, 2021, of a memorandum of understanding by the Greek Minister of Defense, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, and Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, discussions are currently ongoing for Greece’s acquisition of three FDI HN frigates, with an option for one more, all to be developed in Lorient, as part of a strategic alliance between France and Greece. An innovative, 100% digital and cyber-secure multi-role combat frigate The FDI represents an advanced sea vessel with a displacement of 4,500 tons. Multifunctional and resilient, it is capable of operating independently or as part of a naval task force. It provides capabilities for various forms of warfare: anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine, as well as support for special forces deployment. Uniting the best of French naval technology on a compact design, the FDI is a formidable and pioneering frigate, crafted to respond to evolving threats. It stands as the first frigate to leverage a digital architecture that allows for ongoing adaptation to both technological and operational developments. Consequently, the FDI will be equipped to tackle present and future threats while managing increased data loads. It will also be the inaugural French frigate inherently safeguarded against cyber threats, featuring two data centers that virtually host a vast array of ship applications. The FDI introduces the established concept of a dedicated system for asymmetric warfare. This framework will facilitate the coordination and execution of responses against minor and proximate aerial and surface dangers, including bomb-laden vessels. Exceptionally armed (Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster 15/30 anti-air missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, artillery), the FDI can simultaneously deploy a helicopter (10 tons class such as NH90) or the forthcoming Joint Light Helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle (up to 700kg). It can also accommodate a Special Forces team along with their two commando boats. They are outfitted with the next-gen Seafire radar featuring four fixed panels, developed by Thales, which, in conjunction with the missile delivery system, provides unparalleled area defense capabilities. Specifications Overview

• Displacement: 4,500 tons class
• Length: 122 meters
• Beam: 18 meters
• Max. speed: 27 knots
• Endurance: 45 days
• Accommodation: 125 + 28 passengers