Lead Ship Of New Frigate Class Launched In Lorient

Naval Group has launched the first ship in a new class of frigates for the French navy at its shipyard in Lorient, reports Naval News.

On Monday, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu presided over the launch of the Admiral Ronarc’h.

Due to weather conditions, the frigate was only partially launched. She was scheduled to be towed to the outfitting pier on the Scorff River later this week.

The Admiral Ronarc’h is the first of five defense and intervention frigates (FDI) being built for the French navy. Greece has also ordered three of the ships, with an option for a fourth.

The lead ship is scheduled to begin sea trials next year, with delivery slated for 2024. The rest of the class will be delivered progressively until 2030.

The frigates are designed for surface warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and special operations missions. The class is also one of the first with cyber protection, with two data centers onboard virtually accommodating most ship applications.

Armament includes MM 40 Exocet cruise missiles, Aster surface-to-air missiles, MU-90 torpedoes. The ships can carry simultaneously a 10-ton helicopter such as the NH90 and an uncrewed aerial vehicle weighing up to 1,500 pounds (700 kg).

A special operations detachment with two commando boats can also be carried.