The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded DCNS a contract to renovate three of the five La Fayette-class frigates (FLF) currently in service with the French Navy.
The renovation work, which will start in 2020, will be performed in Toulon and synchronised with the scheduled overhauls of the frigates.
The first renovated FLF will be delivered in 2021.
DCNS will renew the ships’ platform and the combat systems. Work will include renovation of electronic and IT systems used to manage the vessel’s installations (propulsion, steering gear, power generation…).
The frigates’ current combat command system will be replaced by a version derived from the one used on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, the tactical data links will be modernised and the CROTALE anti-air warfare system will be replaced by 2 renovated SADRAL launchers.
Lastly, the La Fayette-class Frigates will be equipped with an anti-submarine capacity, with the integration of a hull-mounted sonar and anti-torpedo countermeasures.
“DCNS thanks the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) for its confidence and welcomes this notification related to the platform and combat system modernization of the La Fayette class frigates,” Nathalie Smirnov, Head of Services at DCNS declared. “These operations are major and have never been realized so far on this kind of frigate. This modernization perfectly enhances DCNS’ role and know-how as integrator and modernizator of many systems on the French Navy’s vessels.”
: