The French Navy’s first defense and intervention frigate (FDI), Amiral Ronarc’h (D660), arrived at its home port in Brest on September 19, 2025.
Built at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, the 4,500-ton vessel is the first ship in a series of five frigates planned to strengthen the French surface fleet under the 2024-2030 Military Planning Law.
The ship is equipped with advanced systems for air, surface, and submarine combat, as well as the ability to operate multifunction helicopters and embark special forces.
Scheduled for commissioning in 2026, the Amiral Ronarc’h was designed for long-duration operations in crisis zones and is versatile enough to operate in various scenarios, from asymmetric attacks to high-intensity naval combat and cyber warfare.
FDI frigates are equipped with advanced digital systems and data processing capabilities, ensuring a response to both current and future threats, and can be easily integrated into French or allied naval forces.
In addition to the Amiral Ronarc’h, four more FDI frigates—Amiral Louzeau, Amiral Castex, Amiral Nomy, and Amiral Cabanier—are scheduled to join the French Navy by 2030. Additionally, three units are under construction for Greece, with an option for a fourth.
Naval Group has also been promoting the model to other countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, boosting the export of the project.
Source: Naval News | Photo: X @navalgroup | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
15.09.2025
The #FDI Amiral Ronarc’h departs Lorient to join its home port in Brest.@DGA – @MarineNationale pic.twitter.com/gqC7tnCh5T— Naval Group (@navalgroup) September 15, 2025
