Following the launch of the first defence and intervention frigate (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention, FDI) Amiral Ronarc’h (D660) at the end of 2022 and subsequent launches of the Hellenic Navy frigates HS Kimon in October 2023 and HS Nearchos on September 19, 2024, the FDI (Defense and Intervention Frigate) program reached a new milestone on October 7, 2024. This event took place in Lorient, France, marking the beginning of the first sea trials for the initial vessel of the FDI program, commissioned by the Armament General Directorate (DGA) for the French Navy. The FDI Amiral Ronarc’h, intended for French Navy operations, commenced its initial sea trials from the Naval Group site in Lorient, Brittany. This crucial phase allows the ship’s crew to familiarize themselves with their future vessel and thoroughly test all systems and equipment in realistic maritime conditions. As the first unit in the FDI program, the data and insights gathered from Amiral Ronarc’h’s trials will benefit future vessels of the same class that are under construction for both the French and Hellenic Navies.
The FDI frigate is a state-of-the-art, multi-role combat vessel designed for high-sea operations. It is capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine warfare, as well as countering asymmetric threats and supporting special forces operations. Unlike traditional sea trials, which often focus on navigation and propulsion systems, the tests for the Amiral Ronarc’h extend to the ship’s combat systems in real-life conditions at sea. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the vessel’s capabilities, allowing for adjustments before it is officially commissioned into service. The FDI also pioneers an innovative operational feature: a dedicated gateway for countering asymmetric threats. This system enables precise coordination in engaging small, close-range air and surface threats, such as booby-trapped craft, offering a significant advantage in diverse combat scenarios.
Built on a compact platform that integrates the best of French naval technology, the FDI is specifically designed to meet the challenges of modern naval warfare and adapt to rapidly evolving threats. With the latest digital tools embedded in its design and production, the FDI represents a significant leap in naval technology. It is the first class of frigates equipped with a digital architecture that allows continuous adaptation to technological and operational changes. This ensures that the FDI can counter high-spectrum threats with 360-degree coverage across all frequency bands, handling an increasing volume of data with speed and efficiency. A defining feature of the FDI is its native protection against cyber threats. The ship’s IT architecture is built with redundancy, featuring two onboard data centers that host a significant portion of the vessel’s applications virtually.
Armed with a formidable suite of weaponry, including Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles, ASTER anti-aircraft missiles, and MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, the FDI is well-prepared for a variety of threats. Its arsenal is complemented by artillery of different calibers, giving it the capability to project power across a broad range of operational settings. Additionally, the frigate can accommodate a heavy helicopter, such as the 10-ton class Caïman Marine or the future Guépard Marine, alongside an aerial drone for expanded surveillance and support missions. It is also equipped to deploy special forces through two commando boats. The FDI’s sophisticated Sea Fire radar, featuring four fixed panels developed by Thales, further enhances its defensive capabilities. This radar system, combined with advanced missile deployment technologies, allows the FDI to provide extended area defense, making it a critical asset in naval operations.
