On 31 March 2026, the French Ministry of Armed Forces (DGA) placed an order for a fifth Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) from Naval Group. The FDI programme, launched in 2017, expands France’s surface fleet with vessels for anti‑ship, anti‑air, anti‑submarine, asymmetric, cyber and special‑forces missions. The first FDI, Amiral Ronarc’h, entered service on 17 October 2025; the new ship will join the fleet between 2027 and 2032. Each frigate carries Exocet, Aster, MU90 weapons, 20 mm/76 mm guns, and a cyber‑secured data centre that supports helicopter, drone and commando deployments. The fifth FDI adds a dedicated management station for asymmetric threats separate from the main operations centre. It is the first French warship with a single mast fitted with continuous 360° airborne sensors and Thales’ SEAFIRE radar, plus advanced sonars for anti‑air and anti‑surface detection, enabling rapid response to drones and suicide boats. The performance has attracted export interest and recognition from nations that operate the class.
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