France: the DGA notifies the fifth Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) to Naval Group

On March 31, 2026, the French Government defence procurement and technology agency (DGA) ordered a fifth Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) from the industrial group Naval Group, intended for the French Navy.

The FDI program, led by the French Government defence procurement and technology agency (DGA), was launched in 2017. It notably strengthens surface forces with top-tier, versatile, state-of-the-art vessels at the forefront of technology and innovation.

The first FDI, Amiral Ronarc’h, was delivered to the French Navy on October 17, 2025, and is currently undergoing its long-term deployment; the remaining deliveries will be spread from 2027 to 2032.

These frigates are versatile high-sea vessels capable of operating in all domains: anti-ship warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, asymmetric threat countermeasures, cyber defence, and special forces projection. They are designed for high-intensity combat and are equipped with substantial armament: Exocet MM40 B3c anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 and 30 anti-air missiles, MU90 torpedoes, 20 mm and 76 mm artillery.

 They can simultaneously embark a helicopter, a drone and accommodate a special forces detachment with two commando boats. Fully digital, the FDI feature a cyber-secured and redundant data center hosting the applications necessary for their operation and combat system functionality. Equipped with significant computing capabilities, these digital fortresses can process a substantial volume of information from the various onboard sensors.

In terms of operational innovation, the FDI is the first ship to natively feature a dedicated management station for combating asymmetric threats, designed to counter air and surface attacks; notably mini-drones and suicide boats. This station is separated from the operations center (CO), which is responsible for all other combat domain.

The FDI is equipped with a single mast housing all airborne sensors, enabling continuous 360° surveillance. As the first vessel of the French Navy to be fitted with Thales’ fixed-panel SEAFIRE radar, it boasts the most advanced sonars and its anti-air and anti-surface surveillance is ensured by the most modern sensors, capable of countering the most advanced threats.

The FDI is already a success on the export market, with the vessel recognised by its owner nations for its high levels of performance.

Source DGA

Photo courtesy Naval Group