The French Navy continues its modernization. According to Cubic, the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) recently ordered a new FDI frigate from Naval Group as part of the FDI program launched in 2017 with the support of the DGA. This is the fifth acquisition by the Ministry of Defense, nine years after the project was launched to provide the French Navy with frigates capable of operating in all theaters, including the most hostile and unpredictable conflict zones.
These FDI frigates are equipped with an impressive arsenal and are multi-functional. Cubic explains that they can sink an enemy ship, shoot down a missile in mid-air, track a submarine, counter a terrorist attack at sea, defend against a cyberattack, and deploy special forces on a hostile coast.
In detail, these frigates carry Exocet MM40 B3c missiles to neutralize enemy vessels, Aster 15 and 30 missiles to intercept drones, missiles, or aircraft, as well as MU90 torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. They also have a 20mm and 76mm artillery for close engagements. Designed by Naval Group to counter cyberattacks, these warships are part of the comprehensive fleet planned by the French Navy until the end of the 2030s.
The objective of the French Navy with this program is to replace an entire generation of surface vessels with these five frigates. The first one, named Admiral Ronarc’h, was delivered on October 17, 2025, and is currently on a long-term deployment. The next four are scheduled between 2027 and 2032, to provide France with a complete fleet until the end of the 2030s. This new order also signals Naval Group’s indispensable role in French maritime defense.
