This means the vessel is now able to conduct operational missions.
I have just admitted Normandie to active service. This drakkar, 6th FREMM, completes our fleet of first-class frigates. Its exceptional performance is served by the Viking spirit of its crew.
Admiral Prazuck, Chief of Staff of the French Navy
Normandie‘s keel was laid in 2014. The frigate was launched on February 1st 2018. She started sea trials one year later and was delivered in July 2019.
Earlier this year Normandie deployed on a long cruise, a long duration deployment to test all of the ship’ systems ahead of its formal admission into active service. During this long cruise to Canada and the United States, she conducted some Link 22 tests, a first for the French Navy.
Two more FREMM frigates with enhanced anti-air warfare capabilities (known as FREMM DA) will follow the first six ones configured for anti-submarine warfare (FREMM ASW). But the last two FREMM ASW, Bretagne and Normandie are fitted with 16 cells of SYLVER A50 vertical launch system allowing them to deploy longer range surface to air missiles (ASTER 30 by MBDA).
About Aquitaine-class FREMM Frigates
According to the Armament General Directorate (DGA), FREMM, designed and developed by Naval Group, is a stealth, versatile and enduring surface combatant with advanced automation. Its main missions are the control of a zone of maritime operation, anti surface (ASuW) and anti submarine (ASW) warfare, precision deep strike with naval cruise missile (it is the only class of NATO vessel in Europe with the capability to launch land attack cruise missiles from surface vessels), the deployment and support of special forces…
The FREMM can deploy the Caiman Marine (NH90 NFH) maritime helicopter, with unmatched ASW capabilities thanks to its FLASH dipping sonar and MU90 torpedoes. The FREMM-Caiman combo represents a cability gap in terms of ASW. The FREMM is also equipped with the Zodiac Milpro Ecume, the new tactical boat for naval special forces.
In 2030, the French Navy will have fifteen first-line frigates including 8 FREMM, 2 air defense destroyers (Horizon-class) and 5 new generation FDI (Defense and Intervention Frigates). FREMM Normandie is the sixth in a series of eight, after Aquitaine, Provence, Languedoc, Auvergne and Bretagne. It will be followed between 2019 and 2023 by Alsace and Lorraine. The last two FREMMs will have enhanced air defense capabilities (FREMM DA).
FREMM frigates main specifications
Heavily armed, the Normandie FREMM deploys the most effective equipment and weapon systems, integrating the SETIS software as well as the Herakles multi-function radar, the naval cruise missile (NCM), the Aster and Exocet MM40 missiles and MU 90 torpedoes.
- Overall length: 142 metres
- Width: 20 metres
- Displacement: 6,000 tonnes
- Max. speed: 27 knots
- Implementation: 123 persons (among whom 14 dedicated to the helicopter detachment)
- Endurance: 45 days
