Amiral Ronarc'h, the first ship in the series of five new Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI) has departed from the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France, to its base port in Brest.

A ceremony that marked the departure was attended by Admiral Nicolas Vaujour and Naval Group chair and CEO Pierre-Éric Pommellet.

This signifies the conclusion of sea trials that started in October last year at Lorient, Brittany.

It also marks the commencement of the acceptance process by the French Navy, which is set for next month.

With a displacement of 4,500 tonnes (t), an approximate length of 122m, and a width of 18m, the vessel has a maximum speed of 27 knots.

FDI frigates serve as multipurpose combat ships, featuring advanced systems for a full spectrum of warfare, including air, surface, and undersea. 

They also have capabilities for deploying special forces.

Designed for sustained operations in remote crisis zones, these frigates feature high levels of interoperability and endurance.

The FDIs are set to be the first in the French fleet to feature inherent protection against cyber threats, utilising a redundant IT architecture that centres around dual data centres.

In addition, their scalable design allows for future upgrades to counter emerging threats and incorporate technological advancements.

The FDI programme, initiated in 2017 and spearheaded by the Direction générale de l'armement, is reinforcing France's naval capabilities with high-performance and advanced vessels.

Amiral Ronarc'h will be joined by four additional frigates: Amiral Louzeau, Amiral Castex, Amiral Nomy, and Amiral Cabanier.

The first three vessels are being delivered under the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law.