French Navy’s fifth FREMM frigate wraps up first sea trials

French Navy’s future FREMM frigate FS Bretagne completed her first set of sea trials in Lorient, North Western France.

According to the international organization for cooperation on arms (OCCAR), the organization which coordinates the Italian-French FREMM frigate program, Bretagne wrapped up the first series of tests on October 18.

The main objective of this round of trials was to test the ship’s propulsion and navigation systems. The trials involved industrial teams led by Naval Group, OCCAR FREMM Programme Division, the French Navy crew and the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA).

Further tests and trials of various systems, including the combat management system, will continue over the coming weeks. The frigate is expected to be commissioned mid-2018 and homeported in Brest, France.

Bretagne started construction in October 2013, hit the water in September 2016 and received its first commanding officer on September 20, 2017.

To date, four FREMM frigates have been delivered to the French Navy and three other ships, including “Bretagne”, are at different stages of assembly and construction at Naval Group Lorient shipyard.

The 142-meter long FREMM frigates are equipped with Naval Cruise Missiles, Aster and Exocet MM40 Missiles or MU 90 Torpedoes. They can reach maximum speeds of 27 knots and have a range of 6,000 miles at a speed of 15 knots.