France orders fifth defense and intervention frigate from Naval Group.

The fifth defense and intervention frigate (FDI), named Admiral Cabanier, has been ordered. The Ministry of the Armed Forces announced on Thursday in a statement the order by the DGA (General Directorate of Armament) for a fifth FDI from Naval Group, destined for the French Navy, in line with what was planned in the Military Programming Law. Here is what is known about this program.

What is the FDI program?

Launched in 2017, the FDI program, built by Naval Group in Lorient, aims to modernize and strengthen the navy with high-performance, versatile, cutting-edge technology and innovation vessels. The first FDI, Admiral Ronarc’h, was delivered on October 17 and is currently deployed within the French Navy. The deliveries of the other four frigates in the series – Admiral Louzeau, Admiral Castex, Admiral Nomy, and Admiral Cabanier – will be spread between 2027 and 2032, as per the Military Programming Law 2024-2030.

“Able to intervene in all domains”

With its 122 meters length, 18 meters width, and a tonnage of 4,500 tons, it can sail at 27 knots and has a 45-day autonomy. It is a combat ship designed for long and enduring deployments in crisis zones. It is “able to intervene in all domains: anti-ship warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, asymmetric threat combat, cyber defense, special forces projection” as explained by the ministry.

In addition to France, Greece has ordered four FDIs, with the first, the HS Kimon, delivered last December.

Designed for high-intensity combat

“These ships, which offer operational performances improved compared to heavier units like the multi-mission frigates (FREMM), have been designed “for high-intensity combat” assures the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Their equipment should allow them to “manage, autonomously as part of a fleet, current and emerging threats such as latest-generation submarines, supersonic missiles, cyber attacks, and multi-form asymmetric threats” adds Naval Group.

“Digital fortresses”

The FDIs are equipped with significant armaments: Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 and 30 anti-aircraft missiles, MU90 torpedoes, 20mm and 76mm artillery.” “They can embark a heavy helicopter (10-ton class, like the NH90) or the future Guépard Marine and an aerial drone (up to 700 kg), and also deploy special forces with two commando boats” specifies Naval Group.

“Capable of navigating in rough seas”

“Their compact design and architecture allow them to integrate progress related to system digitization, new IT architectures, and cybersecurity” further explains the Ministry of the Armed Forces. “These digital fortresses are capable of handling a significant volume of information from various onboard sensors.”

These are the first ships in the French Navy equipped with the Seafire fixed four-panel radar from Thales, providing zone defense capabilities against a wide range of targets from drones and hovering helicopters to low-altitude and ballistic missiles. Unlike the traditional rotating radar, this one ensures a constant 360-degree view.

“Capable of sailing in rough seas”

“Thanks to its compact design and its capabilities, it can adapt to various environments and the rough seas worldwide (cold and warm waters, archipelagic environments in particular),” assures Naval Group in a statement. The capability to navigate in high seas and rough seas was demonstrated during the first sea trials (14 weeks to date) of the Admiral Ronarc’h, whose crew witnessed the ship’s ability to handle a sea level 6 in the Atlantic Ocean.