France's first FDI frigate, Amiral Ronarc'h (D660), built by Naval Group, was spotted during its transit to the sea trials.
The ship is seen to be fitted with its sensor and weapon systems in transit to the sea trials by tugboats.
The French Navy plans to acquire at least five frigates to succeed its La Fayette-class frigates and operate alongside FREMM (Aquitaine-class) and Horizon-class destroyers.
FDI is a medium-class frigate with a displacement of 4500+ tonnes and a length of 122 meters. The ship can operate for 45 days with a crew of 125+28 additional passengers (Special operations personnel and others). The hangar can accommodate a 10-ton helicopter and a rotary-wing UAV for ISR, SAR, or ASW missions.
FDI's armament consists of space for up to 32 Sylver VLS cells, eight Exocet Block IIIC anti-ship missiles, and one CIWS/PDMS. The main sensors include a four-array Thales SEA FIRE AESA radar suite, navigation radars, and electro-optics.
The First French FDI Frigate Sails Away
