France pushes on with FDI
Naval Group is under contract to deliver three FDI vessels to the French Navy by 2025. (Photo: Naval Group)
While delivery of the first-in-class FDI vessel is delayed slightly, the timeframe for the next two frigates has been pushed forward.
The French MoD has decided to step up the pace on its Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention (FDI) 4,500t frigate programme, also known by the export designation Belharra.
Shipbuilder Naval Group expects to have launched the first-in-class Amiral Ronarc’h by the end of 2021. By then, it also aims to power up the Panoramic Sensors & Intelligence Module (PSIM) mast for the first time.
PSIM is significant as it houses four Thales Sea Fire panels (the first fixed array radar in the French Navy). A prototype PSIM has been tested in the south of France since 2019.
Naval Group is under
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production]()
US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
-
![US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines]()
US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
