New French overseas patrol vessels set for 2023 service entry
Auguste Bénébig will reach its future home port of Nouméa by January 2023. (Photo: Socarenam)
The first of six POM overseas patrol boats for use in France's Pacific territories has commenced sea trials and is due to enter service in New Caledonia in January 2023.
France is set to begin renewal of the patrol craft used in its Indo-Pacific overseas territories. Six new-generation overseas patrol vessels (POM) are being built for a total of €250 million ($254 million), and will be based in New Caledonia, Tahiti and Reunion.
The first of class Auguste Bénébig is due to arrive in New Caledonia in January, replacing the last P400 patrol boat still in service, a design which has experienced serious engine problems.
The crew of 30 was formed on 1 April at Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, where fitting out of the ship continued afloat after its construction in Saint-Malo (Brittany). Sea trials began in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
