Naval Group splashes French Navy’s second FDI frigate

May 21, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Shipbuilding company Naval Group has launched the second defense and intervention (FDI) frigate ordered by France’s defense procurement agency, the DGA, for the French Navy.

The launching ceremony for the FDI, named Amiral Louzeau, was held on May 19 at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard. The event was attended by Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, representatives of the French Government’s defense procurement and technology agency, and Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

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In the coming days, Naval Group teams will carry out the installation of the Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM), an integrated mast providing state-of-the-art technological and operational performance. Building the PSIM in parallel with the hull helps secure testing activities and reduces production times by approximately five months.

The FDI’s first sea trials will begin in 2027, with delivery scheduled for the end of the year. Deliveries of the remaining three vessels in the series of five FDIs ordered for the French Navy will continue through to 2032.

The FDI frigate is a multi-role surface combatant designed for operations across the full spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric threats. It is intended to operate independently or as part of a naval task group, with a focus on flexibility against both conventional and emerging challenges such as modern submarines, supersonic anti-ship missiles, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare environments. The platform incorporates advanced digital systems and integrated data-processing capabilities to support situational awareness and combat management in complex operational scenarios.

In terms of technical characteristics, the FDI has a displacement of approximately 4,500 tonnes, a length of 122 meters, and a beam of 18 meters. It can reach speeds of up to 27 knots and has an operational range of about 5,000 nautical miles with an endurance of up to 45 days. Its compact design is optimized for operations in diverse maritime conditions, including rough-sea environments, while maintaining a balance between survivability, sensor integration, and mission versatility.

At the same time, Naval Group is also building three additional FDIs for Greece, alongside the HS Kimon, delivered in December 2025. Two of these vessels will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy by the end of 2026.