Naval Group launches Alsace FREMM frigate
Naval Group has launched the first of two FREMM frigates with reinforced air defence capabilities being built for the French Navy at its shipyard in Lorient, France.
With a length of 142m, Alsace has a displacement of 6,000t and can achieve a maximum speed of 27kt. The vessel can accommodate 119 personnel (+ 14 for the helicopter crew).
The vessel is equipped with the multifunction Herakles radar, Aster 15, 30 and Excocet MM 40 missiles, the MU 90 torpedo, reinforced radar and communication capabilities, optimised mast, and the SETIS combat management system with specific anti-air defense functions.
The frigate will provide air defence support to the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft-carrier within an aero-naval or amphibious group.
Naval Group is on contract to deliver the two anti-air defence frigates Alsace and Lorraine, in 2021 and 2022.
More from Naval Warfare
-
How Canada is preparing the future River-class destroyers to endure uncrewed threats
Designed in 2019, Canada's new River-class destroyers are planned to be handed over by the 2050s. The long procurement timeline has cast doubt on whether the platforms will be obsolete for tomorrow’s warfare.
-
Latest Russian subsea standoff puts pressure on the UK’s seabed defence strategy
UK defence secretary John Healey’s exposure of a covert Russian deep-sea operation against undersea infrastructure in the Atlantic validates the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion concept but lays bare a capacity gap that autonomous systems, allied integration and sustained investment must close.
-
US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats
A Northrop Grumman RF-based defensive capability will equip USN destroyers and aircraft carriers to enhance their survivability against missile and drone attacks.