The FDI is a first-rank frigate designed for anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare. Credit: © Naval Group.

The French Government, through its defence procurement and technology agency, has placed an order for a fifth defence and intervention frigate (FDI) from Naval Group for the French Navy.

Officials notified the order on 31 March 2026, which forms part of a programme to deliver five of these vessels to the French Navy. It follows the purchase of the fourth FDI unit in December last year.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Both the fourth and fifth frigates will be constructed at Naval Group’s facility in Lorient, Naval Group said.

The Lorient facility is also constructing four FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy, increasing the total number of ships in this series under production to nine.

Naval Group chairman and CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet said: “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 mobilised to provide the French Navy with the means to achieve naval superiority, in the service of France’s sovereignty.”

The FDI series is designed for involvement in various mission types, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric operations.

These ships feature digital systems and data-processing capabilities, enabling them to operate independently or as part of a fleet to address a range of threats.

The FDI also includes integrated automation systems to allow operation by fewer crew members and to facilitate maintenance.

According to Naval Group, these vessels are constructed to Nato standards for interoperability with allied navies.

Recent sea trials with the Admiral Ronarc’h, the first in the class, included operations in rough conditions over 14 weeks, demonstrating the ship’s capabilities in demanding environments.

The vessel was delivered to the French Navy on 17 October 2025.

Naval Group’s FDI frigate displaces 4,500 tonnes, measures 122 metres (m) in length and 18m in width and can reach a maximum speed of 27 knots.

It can operate for up to 45 days and provides accommodation for a crew of 125, along with 28 additional passengers.