The BRF is a huge class of vessels (second largest displacement in the French fleet after aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle) and are fitted with some of the latest technologies, similar to those found aboard the FDI class of frigates.
𝐽𝑎𝑐𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑟 departed St Nazaire in early March and reached Toulon naval base on 30 March. Several tests took place during its transit (which pretty much served as sea trials): The BRF conducted UNREP (underway replenishment) operations with:
- Marne, a Durance-class supply vessel which the Jacques Chevallier-class will replace
- Aquitaine-class FREMM frigate Auvergne
- Horizon-type Air Defense Destroyer Chevalier Paul
- Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle
The BRF ships will conduct three main missions:
- Support the French CSG and surface action groups
- Support the French nuclear deterent
- Participate in the support of allied operations
These versatile vessels will have a greater cargo and fuel carrying capacity compared to their predecessors, but also better tactical and self-defense capabilities (digital combat bridge, dual data centers, POLARIS combat management system, RAPIDFire naval gun system and Simbad-RC VSHORAD system).
The 𝐽𝑎𝑐𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑟 will continue its sea trials in the Mediterranean, its formal commissioning should take place in 2024.
About BRF
Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Naval Group were awarded a contract for the construction of four supply vessels in January 2019. The vessels are set to be delivered between the end of 2022 and 2029. It is part of a Franco-Italian program led by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement – Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation), on behalf of the French defense procurement agency (DGA) and its Italian counterpart NAVARM. As such, the design of the French BRF design is based on the Italian Navy LSS (Vulcano-class) designed by Fincantieri.
Safran Electronics & Defense was selected to supply the PASEO XLR extra long-range naval optronic identification & fire control system. The RAPIDFire naval gun system developed by the consortium formed by Thales and Nexter has been chosen as the main artillery and CIWS for the class (two systems per ship). MBDA will supply two Simbad-RC Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) Systems per ship. GE is providing the propulsion systems (MV7000 drives) of the vessels.
Main characteristics of the BRF vessels
Gross tonnage: 28,700 GRT
Displacement at full load: 31,000 tonnes
Overall length: 194 m
Overall width: 27.60 m
Crew capacity: 190 people (including 130 crew members and capacity for 60 passengers)
Total deadweight: 14,870 tonnes
Freight volume: 13,000 m3
Total installed capacity: 24 MW
Artillery: 40 mm guns
Polaris® Combat Management System
