Defence and intervention frigate explained

The defence and intervention frigate or FDI,[1] also known as the Frégate de Taille Intermédiaire or FTI, is a class of French frigates. As of February 2022, five ships have been ordered for the French Navy, with the lead ship being named Amiral Ronarc'h, and an additional three, more heavily armed vessels, for the Hellenic Navy, with the lead ship named Kimon.

First steel was cut in October 2019, beginning construction on the lead unit.[2] The lead ship was laid down on 17 December 2021.[3] Commissioning had been planned from 2024 onwards. However, in 2024 it was reported that delays in the fitting out and sea trials of the lead vessel of the class, Amiral Ronarc'h, would likely push commissioning and full entry into service of first ship into 2025.[4]

History

The Intermediate Frigate (FTI) program was a response to the requirement for fifteen first-class frigates to allow the French Navy to operate in a crisis zone, as recommended in the White Paper on Defense and National Security of 2013. This would see the five FTI ships join the ten FREMM multipurpose frigates (Aquitaine class) and .

Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced the launch of the five-ship program on 29 May 2015 at the naval aviation base in Lann-Bihoué. In 2021 it was reported that work on the second and third frigates in the series would be accelerated with first steel cut for modules of the second ship of the class envisaged for October.[5]

The FTIs, of a contained size, would better correspond to the demands of the export markets according to the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA; English: Directorate General of Armaments) and also make it possible to maintain the development and production capacities of the French shipyards.

These ships will incrementally supersede the s, in the role of first rank frigates, replacing all five frigates of that class by 2035.[6] In the interim, a modernization of three vessels in the La Fayette class is being undertaken to extend their useful lives into the early 2030s. In November 2022 it was announced that the first two FDI frigates (Amiral Ronarc'h and Amiral Louzeau) would be based at Brest.[7]

The FDI will have with significant anti-aircraft capabilities with active antenna radar and fixed planes, anti-submarine capabilities (helicopter and towed sonar), and will have a displacement of 4000to.

The French Defence Ministry announced the award of a contract to DCNS for the development and construction of five intermediate-size frigates (FTIs) intended for the French Navy on 21 April 2017.[8] The frigates will be equipped with electronic systems and sensors developed by Thales[9] and Aster 30 missiles.[8]

Exports

Greece

See main article: article and Kimon-class frigate. In September 2021, Greece signed an agreement with France's Naval Group to purchase three FDI HN frigates with an option for one more for the Hellenic Navy as part of a $5 billion defence package. The FDI HN export version is also known as the Belharra-class frigate.[11] [12] [13]

It was reported that the Hellenic Navy ships would eventually carry a more extensive weapons fit, capable of carrying up to 32 Aster-30 air defence missiles. This will permit the Hellenic Navy to operate three ships with 32 air defence missiles plus 21 point defence missiles in a Mk31 21-cell launcher of RAM Block 2B surface-to-air missiles, 8 Block 3 Exocet anti-ship missiles, 2 dual launchers MU90 torpedoes and SYLENA Mk1 decoy launching systems (DLS) for CANTO anti-torpedo decoys. Two of the vessels, destined for the French Navy in 2025, now will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy. The date of the construction agreement was anticipated to be at late 2021 or early 2022.[14]

In December 2021 it was reported that an agreement for construction had been signed by France and Greece[15] with the actual contract for the construction of the ships having been signed on 24 March 2022.[16] [17] In February 2022, documents released by the Greek Parliament indicated that initially the first two frigates for the Hellenic Navy would be equipped similar to their French counterparts in a "Standard-1" configuration (with 16 Sylver A50 cells). By 2027 the two ships would be upgraded to a "Standard-2" configuration with 32 A-50 cells as well as with the RAM Block 2B. The third Hellenic Navy frigate would be built from the outset in the "Standard-2" configuration.[18]

According to the Hellenic Navy, the ships will be named after three great ancient Greek admirals: Cimon (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Κίμων|Kimon), Nearchus (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Νέαρχος,) and Phormio (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Φορμίων,). These names had previously been used for the ex-US s in service with the Hellenic Navy from 1991 to 2004.

In 2024 it was decided to adjust the production sequence by reassigning the fourth and fifth vessels in the production series. The fourth vessel (the previous Amiral Louzeau - D661), previously assigned to France, would instead be allocated to Greece, while the fifth ship in the series (the previous Formion - F603), previously assigned to Greece, would be destined for the French Navy instead. Each vessel would be renamed accordingly.[19] It was unclear how this reallocation might impact the original intent to have the third Greek FDI built in an enhanced "Standard-2" configuration.

Indonesia

In May 2024, France offered Indonesia the FDI in a full multi-mission configuration. The offer encompasses the potential for local manufacturing, the inclusion of Aster 15/30 missiles, the SETIS® Combat Management System, an AESA radar, a guarantee free from ITAR restrictions, and a construction period of 36 months. Depending on Indonesia’s requirements, the FDI can be equipped with various Tactical Data Link networks, such as Link 11, Link 16, Link 22, and Link Y. During the presentation to Indonesia, one of the slide shows a variant of the Belharra with 32 cells SYLVER with Aster 15/30 missiles, CIWS, 76 mm gun, 8 MM40 Block 3 Exocet missiles. A thorough educational and training program has also been suggested for the TNI AL staff who will be in charge of operating the ship. The offer stated that that the initial FDI for Indonesia could be built in France within a span of 36 months. PT PAL Indonesia, would undertake the construction of subsequent FDIs locally.

Interestingly, akin to the approach with Scorpène Evolved, France is also receptive to the concept of complete local production starting from the first ship.[20]

Participation of Greek companies

As of January 2023, 23 contracts had been signed with Greek companies participating in the frigates' construction, with 10 more during the same year.[21] [22] Such contracts include construction of pre-outfitted blocks in Salamis Shipyards and shipment to France for assembly (starting from the third Greek frigate, and constructed for both Greek and French frigates).[23]

Ships

Italics indicates estimated date

NOTE: The French Navy does not use the term "destroyer" but rather classifies these vessels as "first-rate frigates". Nevertheless, they are identified with the NATO "D" designation which ranks them in the destroyer class, instead of ranking them with an "F" designation as frigates. As of 2023, all French warships are having their hull numbers removed in order to reduce the ability to identify individual ships.[24] [25]

NumberShipBuilderLaid downLaunchedCommissionedStatus
D660DCNS Lorient17 December 2021[26] 7 November 2022[27] [28] [29] 2024/25Fitting out.
D6612027[30] [31] Under construction; steel cut on ship modules July 2023[32] [33]
D6622028[34] Ordered
D6632031[35] Ordered
D6642032[36] Ordered
F-601[37] DCNS Lorient21 October 202228 September 2023 (technical launch);[38] 4 October 2023 (official ceremony)[39] early 2025Fitting out; steel cut on ship modules October 2021[40]
F-602late 2023[41] late 2025Under construction; steel cut on ship modules July 2022[42]
F-60315 April 2024[43] early 2026[44] Under construction; steel cut on ship modules summer 2022[45] [46]
?TBDOption

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Les frégates de défense et intervention (FDI) . fr-FR . defense.gouv.fr . 6 April 2019 . 12 July 2021.
  2. Web site: Naval Group starts construction on France's newest frigate . Mackenzie . Christina . Defense News . 25 October 2019 . 28 April 2021.
  3. Web site: French Naval Group holds keel-laying ceremony for first FDI frigate.
  4. Web site: La frégate La Fayette fera une première mission en Atlantique cet été . fr . Tanguy . Jean-Marc . le Marin . 11 July 2024 . 20 July 2024.
  5. Web site: Naval Group lance la construction de la seconde frégate du type FDI . fr . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 23 September 2021 . 23 September 2021 . subscription.
  6. Web site: FDI : la frégate Amiral Ronarc’h de retour à son quai d’armement . Mer et Marine . fr . Groizeleau . Vincent . 27 June 2023 . 27 June 2023.
  7. Web site: À Brest, trois frégates et des centaines de marins supplémentaires d'ici quelques mois . Ouest France . Louédec . Mickaël . fr . 8 November 2022 . 8 November 2022.
  8. Web site: The intermediate-size frigate programme: DCNS is pleased to have been informed by the French Defence Ministry of a contract attribution. . Naval Group . 21 April 2017 . 21 January 2020 . dead . 5 May 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190505131632/https://www.naval-group.com/en/news/the-intermediate-size-frigate-programme-dcns-is-pleased-to-have-been-informed-by-the-french-defence-ministry-of-a-contract-attribution/.
  9. Web site: Thales high-tech systems on board French Navy's future medium-size frigates . Thales Group . 18 October 2016 . 21 January 2020.
  10. Web site: Thales delivers Sea Fire Radar for French Navy FDI . navyrecognition.com . 19 May 2021 . 19 May 2021.
  11. Web site: Psaropoulos. John. Greece, France tout European defence autonomy with warships deal. 29 September 2021. Aljazeera.
  12. Web site: 29 September 2021. Greece buys French warships in multibillion-euro defense deal. 29 September 2021. Global Defense Corp.
  13. Web site: Naval News . Staff . 2022 . Greece and Naval Group Ink contract for 3 FDI HN frigates . 4 March 2023.
  14. Web site: Vavasseur . Xavier . 28 September 2021 . Latest Details On The Deal Between France And Greece For 3 FDI Frigates . 29 September 2021 . Naval News.
  15. Web site: France confirms the acquisition of three FDI HN or Belharra-class frigates by Greece . navyrecognition.com . 12 December 2021 . 17 February 2022.
  16. Web site: Greece And Naval Group Ink Contract For 3 FDI HN Frigates . Naval News . 24 March 2022 . 26 March 2022.
  17. Web site: Greek MoD: Ultra-Modern FDI Frigate to protect Greece, Gowind Corvette Very Strong Candidate . navalnews.com . Vavasseur . Xavier . 17 January 2022.
  18. Web site: Greek Parliament Releases The Details Of FDI Frigate Deal . Navalnews.com . Osberk . Tayfun . 13 February 2022 . 17 February 2022.
  19. Web site: FDI : la quatrième frégate, initialement prévue pour la France, est réattribuée à la Grèce . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 22 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.
  20. Web site: Malufti . Fauzan . 2024-05-31 . France Offers FDI Frigate to Indonesia with Domestic Production Option . 2024-05-31 . Naval News . en-US.
  21. Web site: New steps for Hellenic companies on-board FDI HN frigates . Defense Arabia . 20 December 2022 . 23 January 2023.
  22. Web site: Παναγιωτόπουλος: Στα 28 ανέρχονται μέχρι στιγμής τα συμβόλαια που έχει υπογράψει η ΕΑΒ για τις νέες φρεγάτες και τα Rafale . iNEWSgr . 10 January 2023 . 23 January 2023.
  23. Web site: Blocks of Greek frigate “Formion” currently in France for assembly . Defence Redefined . 6 February 2024 . 16 February 2024.
  24. Web site: Marine nationale : l’anonymisation n’ira pas jusqu’aux bâchis . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 17 March 2023. 31 July 2023.
  25. Web site: Deux frégates du type FREMM anonymisées l'une à côté de l'autre, trouvez les différences ! . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 6 March 2023. 31 July 2023.
  26. Web site: French Naval Group holds keel-laying ceremony for first FDI frigate . navyrecognition.com . 17 December 2021 . 17 February 2022.
  27. Web site: Naval Group Floats First New FDI Frigate For The French Navy . Naval News . Vavasseur . Xavier . 7 November 2022 . 15 November 2022.
  28. Web site: Naval Group met sur cale la première FDI grecque . Mer et Marine . fr . 21 October 2022 . 24 October 2022.
  29. Web site: Naval Group va mettre à l'eau la première FDI de la Marine nationale . Mer et Marine . fr . Groizeleau . Vincent . 4 November 2022 . 4 November 2022.
  30. Web site: FDI : la quatrième frégate, initialement prévue pour la France, est réattribuée à la Grèce . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 22 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.
  31. Web site: La livraison de la frégate Amiral Louzeau, premier commandant du Redoutable, retardée . La Presse de la Manche . Marchand . Chrismaël . 28 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.
  32. Web site: Ανταπόκριση από Λοριάν: κοπή μετάλλου για την FDI-HN3 "Φορμίων" . 12 July 2023.
  33. Web site: FDI : la quatrième frégate, initialement prévue pour la France, est réattribuée à la Grèce . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 22 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.
  34. Web site: La Frégate de défense et d’intervention « Amiral Ronarc’h » a effectué ses premiers essais . Mer et Marine . fr . Lagneau . Laurent . 27 May 2024 . 29 May 2024.
  35. Web site: La Frégate de défense et d’intervention « Amiral Ronarc’h » a effectué ses premiers essais . Mer et Marine . fr . Lagneau . Laurent . 27 May 2024 . 29 May 2024.
  36. Web site: La Frégate de défense et d’intervention « Amiral Ronarc’h » a effectué ses premiers essais . Mer et Marine . fr . Lagneau . Laurent . 27 May 2024 . 29 May 2024.
  37. Web site: Vallianatos . Nikolaos . Πολεμικό Ναυτικό - Επίσημη Ιστοσελίδα - Ονοματοδοσία Νέων Υπο Πρόσκτηση Φρεγατών FDI HN . 27 September 2022 . www.hellenicnavy.gr . el-gr.
  38. Web site: FDI : Naval Group met à l’eau la première frégate grecque à Lorient . Mer et Marine . fr . Groizeleau . Vincent . 28 September 2023 . 29 September 2023.
  39. Web site: Greece's first FDI HN frigate technically launched by l Naval Group . naval-news.com.
  40. Web site: Naval Group launches construction of second FDI frigate . navyrecognition.com . 24 September 2021 . 13 October 2021.
  41. Web site: Naval Group launches the HS Kimon, first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy . Naval Group . 5 October 2023.
  42. Web site: FDI HN: Naval Group Cuts Steel for Second Frigate . 13 July 2022.
  43. Web site: Naval Group Lays Keel Of 3rd FDI Frigate For The Hellenic Navy . Naval News . 23 April 2024.
  44. Web site: FDI : la quatrième frégate, initialement prévue pour la France, est réattribuée à la Grèce . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 22 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.
  45. Web site: Armées. Une frégate au nom du Cherbourgeois Bernard Louzeau, premier commandant du Redoutable . fr . La Presse de la Manche . Chrismaël . Marchand . 22 October 2022 . 15 November 2022.
  46. Web site: FDI : la quatrième frégate, initialement prévue pour la France, est réattribuée à la Grèce . Mer et Marine . Groizeleau . Vincent . 22 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.

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