Naval Group recently delivered the French Navy’s first Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) warship, the Amiral Ronarc’h (D660), in Brest, Brittany. This milestone is part of a 2015 initiative aimed at modernizing France’s surface combatant fleet. Prior to its handover, the Amiral Ronarc’h successfully completed extensive sea trials, including rigorous final evaluations in the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating robust performance in challenging sea conditions.
Naval Group plans to build five more FDI frigates at its Lorient shipyard through 2029—four destined for the French Navy, and one for the Hellenic Navy (Greece). The second ship, HS Kimon, has already commenced sea trials and is slated for delivery to Athens by the end of 2025, followed by two additional frigates in 2026 and another French vessel in 2027. This program underscores ongoing European efforts to modernize naval forces, maintain industrial expertise, and boost cooperation among NATO allies.
The FDI frigate, meaning Defence and Intervention Frigate, is a 122-meter (400-foot) long versatile warship armed with naval autocannons, remote artillery turrets, anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, and lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes. It accommodates over 125 personnel and features a flight deck and hangar capable of supporting a medium utility helicopter and unmanned aerial systems.
Powered by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system delivering 43,000 horsepower, the vessel can achieve speeds up to 24 knots (28 miles per hour), operate continuously for 45 days, and has an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometers). These capabilities ensure the Amiral Ronarc’h and her sister ships will provide adaptable, agile responses to modern maritime threats.
