First sea trial for the frigate of defense and intervention Amiral Louzeau, produced by Naval Group

Naval Group will remember this Tuesday, May 19, 2026 for a long time. While Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed from Stockholm the purchase of four defense and intervention frigates, a contract estimated at around four billion euros, the French industrialist simultaneously proceeded to launch the Admiral Louzeau in Lorient, the second of the five FDI ordered by the French Navy to date.

Once afloat, the Admiral Louzeau will soon receive its equipment, including the Sea Fire fixed panel radar from Thales. Commonly known as PSIM (Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module) by Naval Group, this equipment is built parallel to the hull, allowing for a shorter construction time of about five months.

It was this short delivery time that attracted the Swedes, evidently eager to strengthen their royal navy against their menacing Russian neighbor.

Up to two boats per year

[Mention of two boats per year]

But focusing on the French Navy, with its equipment in place, the Admiral Louzeau is expected to begin sea trials in early 2027, with delivery to the navy by the end of the same year. The deliveries of the other three FDIs ordered by the French Navy to date will be staggered until 2032.

In addition to the French FDIs, the birthplace of frigates in Lorient, capable of producing up to two boats per year, continues the construction of Greek FDIs. Following the delivery of the HS Kimon in December 2025, the HS Nearchos and Formion are expected to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy by the end of 2026. A busy workload for the Brittany site of Naval Group before the construction of the Swedish FDIs begins.