The French Navy’s first of five Amiral Ronarc’h-class Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) frigates has left the Naval Group shipyard.
First launched in 2022 and completing sea trials from 2024, the lead ship Amiral Ronarc’h, sharing its name with the class, will be homeported in Brest before undergoing the navy’s approval process in October.
It will be followed by its four sister ships: Amiral Louzeau, Amiral Castex, Amiral Nomy, and Amiral Cabanier, all featuring advanced digital architecture and protection against cyber threats.
Launched in 2017, the FDI program is intended to equip the French Navy with an advanced surface fleet comprising 4,500-ton multi-role frigates.
The FDI frigates are designed for air, surface, and submarine combat in contested environments, including the ability to deploy special forces.
FDI Lead Ship
At 122 meters (400 feet) in length and 18 meters (59 feet) across the beam, the Amiral Ronarc’h is built to house 125 personnel and 28 passengers.
The frigate reaches speeds of up to 27 knots (50 kilometers/31 miles per hour) and is outfitted with Exocet MM40 B3C anti-ship missiles, Aster surface-to-air missiles, MU90 torpedoes, and naval guns.
Engineered for extended operations, the vessel offers an endurance of 45 days at sea, surpassing the typical 30-day autonomy of conventional frigates.
It is also capable of carrying a 10-ton helicopter as well as an unmanned aerial vehicle weighing up to 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds).
The Amiral Ronarc’h sets the standard for the rest of the class, including four frigates ordered by the Hellenic Navy.
