The FREMM DA Alsace was launched April 18, 2019 at the Naval Group shipyard of Lorient thirteen months after its keel laying. It is the ninth FREMM frigate built by Naval Group and the seventh one for the French Navy.
Alsace was expected to begin sea trials in May this year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shipyard stopped production for nearly two months, delaying the program by nearly four months (because of subsequent impact on the overall supply chain). Likewise, Aslace‘s sistership, Lorraine, (the final FREMM for the French Navy) was set to be launched this month but will actually hit the water by year-end. Naval Group still expects to deliver the two vessels to the customer on time: First half of 2021 and second half of 2022 respectively. Following the delivery of its last FREMM, Naval Group will transition to the FDI, the next generation of frigates for the French Navy.
The FREMM DA program started in 2008. Alsace and Lorraine are replacing the two Cassard-class (Type F70 AA) frigates and their ageing SM-1 surface to air missiles. Cassard was decommissioned on 15 march 2019. Jean Bart is set to be decommissioned next year.
Wild rumors in Greece
Recent media reports in Greece claimed that the two FREMM DA would be leased to the Hellenic Navy until the procurement contract for FDI frigates is finalized.
Contacted by Naval News today, the French Ministry of Armed Forces replied with the following statement:
“The Ministry of the Armed Forces has no plans to lease the last two units of the FREMM series to Greece.”
Naval News understands that the current format of “major surface combatants” of the French Navy (i.e. eight FREMM frigates including the two FREMM DA and two Horizon type Air Warfare Destroyers) is the bare minimum to sustain all its missions. For the record, the original plan was for the French Navy to field 17 FREMM and four Horizon type destroyers. Five FDI frigates will follow and gradually replace the La Fayette-class frigates (which are considered “first rank frigates” as well since 2008). We also understand that talks between France and Greece are ongoing regarding the procurement of FDI frigates. An LOI was signed in October 2019.
About FREMM DA
FREMM DA Alsace at Lorient shipyard in early September 2020 
FREMM DA Alsace at Lorient shipyard in late August 2020
According to Naval Group, the FREMM DA Alsace is a strongly armed surface combatant fitted with the most performant weapon systems and equipment such as: the Herakles multifunction radar, the Aster 15 and 30 surface to air missiles, the Excocet MM 40 anti-ship missiles or the MU 90 torpedo. The performance of its combat system are reinforced with increased radar and communication capacities, a new fire control radar, and a SETIS CMS fitted with specific anti-air defense functions.
While the FREMM DA retains the same anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities as earlier vessels of the Aquitaine-class (with CAPTAS-4 and UMS 4110 CL sonars), its so called “increased capabilities in air defense” consists in a few notable changes:
- The Thales Herakles multi-function radar is more powerful , has more transmitter modules, additional wave-forms and search modes for long range air defense
- A Thales STIR EO MK 2 fire control radar replaces the Najir by Sagem (providing better AAW and ASuW capabilities to the 76mm main gun)
- Reinforced bridge structure to accommodate the extra weight of the above
- 4x Sylver A50 vertical launch systems for a total of 32x MBDA Aster 15 or 30 surface to air missiles
- Additional communication systems and antennas
- 3x additional consoles in the CIC (the global arrangement inside the CIC has been modified accordingly) for a total of 20 aboard the ship
- Modifications to the SETIS combat management system
- Additional berthing
According to the French Navy’s FREMM program manager, the FREMM DA main mission will be area air defence of major Marine Nationale units such as the Charles de Gaulle aircraft-carrier and the three Mistral-class LHDs, within a carrier-strike group or amphibious group.
Technical characteristics of the FREMM DA
- Overall length: 142 m
- Bearn: 20 m
- Displacement: 6,000 tonnes
- Max. speed: 27 knots
- Complement: 119 (+ 14 for the helicopter crew)
- Accommodation: 165 men and women
- Range: 6,000 at 15 knots
