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.
