Naval Group Unveils Upgrades for La Fayette Frigate: A New Era of Naval Excellence
As 2023 draws to a close, Naval Group has successfully wrapped up the enhancement of the third and final La Fayette frigate (FLF), the Aconit, following a six-month endeavor that included a sequence of both dockside and maritime evaluations. With the handover of this revamped vessel, Naval Group has finalized an extensive upgrade initiative comprising three ships, now equipped with enhanced anti-submarine warfare functionalities, poised to execute their missions for an additional five years.
Commissioned to Naval Group in 2017 by the French General Armament Directorate (DGA), the agreement to upgrade the La Fayette frigates (FLF) encompassed the three vessels: Courbet, La Fayette, and Aconit. This project addressed several obsolescence challenges, modernized numerous systems, and introduced new functionalities.
Among the upgrades, the overhaul of their combat system (CMS) resulted in the substitution of the original setup with the SENIT system developed by Naval Group. Additionally, they have revitalized their optronic surveillance features, enhanced structural integrity and stability, and replaced the Crotale anti-air defense mechanism with two Sadral systems equipped with the latest-generation Mistral very short-range surface-to-air missiles. With the installation of a hull sonar, the trio of FLFs now boasts anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The maritime evaluation phase, conducted post-completion of the enhancements, showcased the vessel’s maneuverability despite the increased weight (several tonnes) and the addition of the sonar dome. It also affirmed that the levels of acoustic stealth were maintained, maximum speed benchmarks were achieved, and the integration of the sonar and the upgraded combat control system was validated, significantly enhancing performance.
Technical mastery supporting Naval force modernization
This significant initiative exemplifies the diverse array of services offered by Naval Group to assist naval forces in France and internationally throughout the operational life span of their fleets, showcasing the company’s technical prowess in ship modernization. More than 5,000 personnel, encompassing 300 essential skills, are tasked with the design, production, and execution of integrated logistical support, operational maintenance (MCO), ship upgrades, training, simulation, and marine infrastructure. The company’s unparalleled expertise in naval design, construction, and upkeep positions Naval Group as a comprehensive architect, empowering it to implement standalone equipment enhancements, modernizations of intricate integrated systems, and entire ship refurbishments.
With experience supporting over 50 navies globally, Naval Group is acknowledged for its proficiency in managing complex projects, tailoring its organization to fit customer requirements. Currently, the Group oversees more than twenty major in-service support initiatives. Annually, about fifty surface vessels and submarines undergo maintenance both in France and internationally, benefiting from specialized expertise and robust industrial partnerships.
