The French Navy continues its modernization. According to Cubic information, the Directorate General of Armaments (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 marks the fifth acquisition by the Ministry of Defense, nine years after the project began, aiming 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 multifunctional. Cubic explains that they can sink an enemy ship, shoot down a missile in flight, track a submarine, counter a terrorist attack at sea, defend against a cyberattack, and deploy special forces on a hostile coast.
Complete fleet by the end of the 2030s
In detail, these frigates carry Exocet MM40 B3c missiles to neutralize enemy vessels, Aster 15 and 30 to intercept drones, missiles, or aircraft, as well as MU90 torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. They also have 20mm and 76mm artillery for close engagements. Vulnerable to cyberattacks, these warships were designed by Naval Group to address such threats. Naval Group is also involved in the construction of the future aircraft carrier France Libre and the nuclear submarine L’Invincible.
With this program, the French Navy aims 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, providing France with a complete fleet until the end of the 2030s. This new order is a positive signal for Naval Group, demonstrating its essential role in French maritime defense.
