On October 17, 2025, French shipbuilder Naval Group delivered in Brest the first defense and intervention frigate (FDI), Amiral Ronarc’h (D660), ordered by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) on behalf of the French Navy (Marine Nationale).
Amiral Ronarc’h is the first of five FDI frigates that represent the renewal and strengthening of the French fleet’s capabilities. The first-in-class ship is based in Brest, France’s second largest naval base, on the Atlantic. It reached Brest in September 2025.
According to the French ministry of the armed forces, Amiral Ronarc’h will now enter an operational trials phase. These tests are essential to validate the military capabilities of the vessel in conditions close to those encountered in real operations. In other words, the crew will conduct an evaluation of the performance of the various systems, through complex exercises and a long-term deployment (often called long cruise or check down cruise). The first-in-class vessel will then formally enter “active service” (“admission au service actif” in French) in 2026.
Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group said on the occasion of the delivery:
“The delivery of the Amiral Ronarc’h, the very first frigate in the FDI series, is a major milestone for Naval Group. This new generation of top-of-the-range multi-purpose frigates will soon enter operational service and will help to strengthen the capabilities of our French Navy thanks to its exceptional capabilities, already demonstrated during sea trials. We are fully committed to this major programme, which we are proud to be carrying out for the French Navy.”
Displacing 4,500 tons, the FDI is a first rank surface combatant equipped with high-performance systems for anti-air (AAW), anti-surface (ASuW), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Capable of deploying a NH90 NFH helicopter and special forces, it also benefits from advanced communications and data link capabilities, facilitating its integration into national or allied operations.
Designed for long-term, distant deployments in crisis zones, the Amiral Ronarc’h frigate stands out for its versatility and modularity. It is designed to withstand both asymmetric attacks and high-intensity naval combat, integrating cutting-edge digital and data processing technologies to address current and future threats.
The next four frigates in the series – Amiral Louzeau, Amiral Castex, Amiral Nomy and Amiral Cabanier – will complete the fleet in the coming years, in accordance with the 2024-2030 French military planning law.
Naval News comments:
1 – Amiral Ronarc’h (D660) departing the shipyard for the final time to reach its homeport in Brest
2 – Kimon (F-601) in dry dock
3 – Nearchos (F-602) fitting out
4 – Formion (F-603) fitting out
The keel laying of the first FDI took place in December 2021 and the launch in November 2022. The next five ships in the series (three for the Hellenic Navy and two for the French Navy) are still expected be delivered before 2030. The Naval Group shipyard in Lorient has been totally revamped to be able to scale up and deliver two FDI frigates per year. The above picture shows that production is well underway.
A total of five vessels are set to be delivered to France (three hulls already on order, the remaining two ships will be ordered later on). In addition, three frigates are currently under construction for Greece, with an option for a fourth unit which is expected to be enforced soon.
Lastly, Naval Group is pitching the FDI to Sweden, Denmark, as well as to Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
Technical specifications:
- displacement: 4,500 tons
- length: 122 meters
- beam: 18 meters
- max. speed: 27 knots
- autonomy: 45 days
- operational availability: 3,500 hours per year
- accomodation: 125-persons crew + 28 passengers
- aviation facility: 10 ton-class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
The main weapon systems of the FDI (French Navy configuration) are:
- Non-lethal weapon systems
- 16 Aster surface to air missiles developed by MBDA
- 8 Exocet MM40 Block 3c anti-ship missiles developed by MBDA
- MU 90 torpedoes developed by Naval Group
- 76 mm gun
- 2 Narwhal 20mm remote weapon stations
- 4 torpedo tubes
- CANTO counter measures developed by Naval Group
Check out our exclusive video coverage aboard Amiral Ronarc’h recorded in February 2025:
