Navigating the Future: Designing Tomorrow’s Mid-Size Frigates with Naval Group
In alignment with the execution of the contract awarded by the French Defence Procurement Agency in April 2017, Naval Group initiated its search for industrial vendors for the five future intermediate-size frigates, with the first unit scheduled for delivery to the French Navy in 2023.
Procurement plays a significant role in the overall value of a warship; it is essential for Naval Group, as the systems engineering leader and integrator, to pinpoint the most effective suppliers and subcontractors, establishing strategic partnerships with them.
Frédéric Massa, Director of Naval Group Purchasing, expresses: “We have high expectations from our suppliers. Their innovative and competitive proposals will contribute to achieving technological supremacy in operational environments. The success of the program hinges on their commitment: timely delivery of required data and hardware for which they are responsible, while meeting the expected quality standards. We selected them based on their capacity to add value to this critical program for France.”
At present, the primary vendors chosen consist of:
- Axima, specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;
- CNIM, tasked with sonar hatches and torpedo compartments;
- Ixblue for navigation equipment and computing systems;
- Leonardo for 76 mm medium caliber artillery systems;
- MBDA for integration and services related to missile-launch setups;
- MTU, acknowledged as one of the premier manufacturers of large diesel engines worldwide;
- Safran Electronics & Defense for the optronic identification system featuring the extensive capabilities of the PASEO XLR (eXtra Long Range) sight;
- Thales, supplying the sonar suite, electronic warfare suite, IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe), and communication systems.
The French version of the Belh@rra, a cutting-edge frigate weighing approximately 4,000 tonnes, is designed for anti-submarine missions and aims to meet various national requirements. It will feature advanced self-defense mechanisms and capabilities for special forces deployment. Furthermore, it will incorporate the new Thales SEA FIRE four flat antenna radar and will be equipped with adaptable launch systems for Aster 30 and Exocet missiles from MBDA.
