France orders fifth FDI frigate from Naval Group

April 3, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The French Government’s defense procurement and technology agency has placed an order from shipbuilder Naval Group for the fifth defense and intervention frigate (FDI) for the French Navy.

The FDI is designed as a first-rank frigate with capabilities across multiple warfare domains, including air defence, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric operations.

According to the company, the platform is intended to operate either independently or as part of a naval task group, addressing both current and emerging threats such as advanced submarines, supersonic missiles, and cyber risks. It incorporates digital systems and data-processing technologies aimed at supporting operations across a range of mission environments.

The vessel’s design is optimized for deployment in varied maritime conditions, including both open-ocean and littoral environments. During initial sea trials, the lead ship, Amiral Ronarc’h, was tested in rough sea conditions in the Atlantic, including sea state 6.

French Navy welcomes first FDI frigate

Vessels

The class also features a level of onboard automation that allows for reduced crew requirements. Maintenance and operational availability have been key considerations in the design, with performance targets broadly aligned with those of the French Navy’s multi-mission frigates (FREMM), which have reported high availability rates over the past decade, Naval Group noted.

The fourth frigate was ordered in December 2025.

“With these orders for FDI frigates 4 and 5 for France, planned under the LPM, the Ministry of the Armed Forces renews its confidence in us to complete the series of defence and intervention frigates. We are thus fully mobilized to provide the French Navy with the means to achieve naval superiority, in the service of France’s sovereignty,” Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.