On November 18, 2025, the French Navy (Marine Nationale) frigate Amiral Ronarc’h carried out a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the replenishment tanker (BRF) Jacques Chevallier. The event involved two of the newest surface units of the French fleet, the FDI Frigate and the new BRF, and marked the first RAS for an FDI.
French Navy press release – Translated by Naval News
Replenishment at sea is an essential maneuver for naval operations, as it allows a ship to take on diesel fuel, aviation fuel, equipment, and supplies, while also offloading waste when port calls are not possible, such as during deployments in crisis areas.
This RAS enabled the Amiral Ronarc’h, which recently arrived in the Mediterranean to conduct various trials, to test its installations in order to verify their compatibility and resistance to the flow rates delivered by the BRF, as well as to train its crew in the different phases of the maneuver, both on the bridge and in the engine room.
This unprecedented training involving the two newest units of the fleet therefore allowed the FDI to validate its ability to carry out this maneuver as part of its operational readiness phase, a crucial step before its first deployment.
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About BRF / Chevallier-class Replenishment Tanker
With a length of 194 metres and a displacement of 31,000 tonnes when fully loaded, the BRF type supply ships can carry up to 13,000m³ of fuel, as well as provisions, ammunition and spare parts. It is capable of simultaneously refuelling two vessels thanks to its four lateral transfer stations and refuelling masts capable of handling solid cargo weighing up to 2.5 tonnes. These enhanced logistical support capabilities significantly improve the autonomy of the naval air group and forces deployed on the high seas.
The vessel is also equipped with modern equipment that makes it fully capable of operating in degraded environments. Its integrated combat system, close self-defence capabilities, communications and support facilities make the BRF a versatile platform, capable of carrying out refuelling and support missions.
The first ship-in-class, Jacques Chevallier, was delivered in July 2023, while the second BRF, Jacques Stosskopf, was handed over to the French Navy in November 2025.
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
Check out our video coverage of the BRF:
About FDI
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 expected be delivered before (or right after) 2030. The Naval Group shipyard in Lorient has been totally revamped to be able to scale up production and deliver two FDI frigates per year. The construction cycle for one frigate takes about 3 years. Two frigates can be produced in parallel.
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 was enforced last month.
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:
