DCNS starts FREMM Languedoc’s sea trials
DCNS has started the sea trials for the FREMM Languedoc, the third of a series of vessels ordered by OCCAR on behalf of the French Navy and the French defence procurement agency DGA.
The sea trials will test the performance of the vessel’s navigation and propulsion system. The duration of the FREMM Languedoc’s sea trials have been reduced to six weeks compared with the eight weeks undertaken for previous frigates as the programme moves into ‘series mode’.
The FREMM frigates are being built on the DCNS’ Lorient site. The company is on track to deliver six FREMMs to the French Navy before mid-2019.
The company will also construct and deliver two FREMMs for the Royal Moroccan Navy and the Egyptian Navy before 2022.
Anne Bianchi, director of FREMM Programme, DCNS, said: ‘The acceleration of the trial scheduling for the FREMM Languedoc is a demonstration of DCNS capacity to ensure efficient serial production.’
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