Italian shipyard lays forward keel for first French BRF vessel
A Fincantieri shipyard has laid the forward section of the keel for the first of four new logistic support ships for the French Navy.
Work on the sections of Jacques Chevallier continues at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard, with deliveries to Chantiers de l’Atlantique scheduled between 2021 and 2027, Fincantieri noted on 10 February.
Under its Flotte Logistique (FLOTLOG) programme, the French Navy is receiving four Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Force (BRF) replenishment ships based on the Italian Vulcano-class design, to replace Durance-class command and supply ships.
FLOTLOG is a Franco-Italian effort. NATO agency OCCAR signed a a €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion) contract in February 2019 with Chantiers de L’Atlantique and Naval Group. OCCAR acted on behalf of French defence procurement agency DGA.
Naval Group is responsible for the design. supply and integration of the combat and military systems. Fincantieri is supplying part of the hulls and technical assistance for the French vessels.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
BRF - Logistic Support Ships (1-4) [France]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come
Designed as a multi-role frigate with both anti-submarine and air defence capabilities, Naval Group’s medium-sized FDI frigate increasingly stands out as a success story in an industry wrought with delays.