With the next down-select for the Norwegian frigate programme drawing near, French shipyard Naval Group is hoping to clear their next hurdle on the way to securing a second European export customer for the FDI frigate. Naval News contributor Robin Häggblom had the opportunity to visit the leadship of the class, the French Navy’s Amiral Ronarc’h, during sea trials off the coast of Brittany.
At sea aboard FDI Amiral Ronarc’h off Brittany – The fact that the first vessel is already half-way through the sea trials with a goal of being formally handed over to the Marine Nationale this summer is one of the key arguments for the French offer, as it is the only bidder that can show a moving vessel with working systems. With Norway having stressed fast delivery times and a proven design, these are one of the few areas where it is clear that one of the bidders have a distinct edge over the rest of the field, which also include the British Type 26, the German F127, and the US Constellation-class. The building pace at the Naval Group yard in Lorient is impressive: They are currently delivering one frigate every six months. The company notes that they are able to offer production slots in accordance with the Norwegian schedule, with first delivery in 2029 and all five or six before the end of 2035.
The offer also allows for the procurement of the same setup as the original operator, as has been demanded. The sole difference between the bid and the French vessels is the replacement of the eight MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles with the Norwegian NSM, which will be mounted in the same physical space as the French weapons and integrated as another weapon in the combat management system. When it comes to helicopters, the vessel is able to operate any 11-ton class ASW-helicopter, with the two currently integrated being the NH90 and the MH-60R Seahawk, the latter of which is the favourite to become Norway’s next ASW-helicopter. A key detail is that while the hangar is classed for a helicopter up to 11 tons, the helideck can handle up to 15-ton class machines, meaning Norway’s AW101 SAR Queen search and rescue helicopters can land on the vessel for shorter visits even if they are unable to be permanently based on it.
While the Norwegian frigate programme is the one currently in the spotlight, Naval Group’s communications partner in Norway, Geelmuyden Kiese, confirms that there are expressions of interest from Nordic nations besides Norway. While no details about which country it might be or the state of the negotiations, the most likely candidate is Sweden, which currently is planning to start the acquisitions of a new four-strong vessel class designated the Luleå-class. The specifications for the class are still rather vague, but considering the details known, it does seem like the FDI would be a suitable candidate being of roughly the correct size, with a very capable anti-air capability with ASTER surface-to-air missiles, and a ship-based ASW-helicopter capability. Naval News reached out to the Swedish FMV for comments, but did not receive any response as of April 7.
Update:
The Swedish FMV got back to Naval News on 8 April 2025 and said that formal negotiations are not underway.
