France receives FREMM Provence

The French Navy has received the multi-mission FREMM frigate Provence, the second in a series of frigates ordered from DCNS by OCCAR on behalf of the French DGA.

DCNS managed the design and construction of the Provence while collaborating closely with the OCCAR, DGA and the navy. 

The delivery of the Provence also completes the ramping up of the SETIS combat system from DCNS. With this and the naval missile demonstration conducted on the Aquitaine, the FREMM has completed its technological capabilities, with anti-land warfare, anti-submarine, anti-air warfare and anti-surface capabilities.

DCNS is to construct ten frigates, of which eight are for France, with six to be delivered by 2019. The remaining two French frigates with extended anti-aircraft capabilities will be delivered by 2022. At present, three frigates are under construction and another is being prepared for delivery.

Anne Bianchi, director of FREMM programmes, DCNS, said: ‘The delivery of the FREMM Provence represents an opportunity to applaud the industrial and technological prowess of DCNS and its subcontractors. It underlines our ability to produce first of rank combat ships that meet our client navies needs, such as those of Morocco and Egypt. Today, we are proud to deliver this second ship to the French Navy.’

She added: ‘DCNS has successfully accomplished this essential step for the FREMM SETIS combat system. We are proud to have contributed to the successful firing of a cruise missile from a surface ship, a first in Europe. This result is a demonstration of DCNS expertise in the area of the design and integration of combat systems.’