Image source: topwar.ru
A solemn ceremony of launching the new frigate "Amiral Ronarc'h" was held in Lorient. She is the lead ship among five "defense and offensive" frigates ordered by the French Navy. Due to weather conditions, the event was incomplete, the frigate was never brought to the completion pier.
The ceremony was attended by French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu and Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, who is on a visit to France.
It is known that the ship was laid down in 2021. Initial tests of the ship after launching will begin in 2023, and in 2024 it is planned to put it into operation. The remaining four frigates will be commissioned by 2030. The presence of the Greek Minister of War at the ceremony was explained by the fact that at the same time the French company Naval Group is going to build three more frigates for the Greek Navy.
The shipbuilding enterprise in Lorient has been modernized thanks to large-scale investments of the Naval Group company. Now it is possible to build two ships a year on this site, which significantly improves the productivity of French military shipbuilding. In addition, investments in shipbuilding make it possible to maintain employment in the industry. For example, Naval Group employs more than 1,200 people full-time.
Image source: topwar.ru
The defense and offensive frigate is a multi-purpose warship adapted for actions both alone and as part of a group of ships. The frigate can perform tasks of anti-submarine, anti-ship and anti-aircraft warfare, it uses advanced digital architecture.
According to the manufacturer, the frigate will be the first example of French ships initially protected from cyber threats. In addition, the frigate will be able to fight small-sized air and surface threats, including UAVs.
Image source: topwar.ru
This is how France sees the actions of a group of ships led by an aircraft carrier by 2030
Another advantage of the frigate is its strong armament: it is armed with Exocet MM40 B3C anti–ship missiles, Aster 15/30 anti-aircraft missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, artillery, and can also take a helicopter or light helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles on deck. In addition, the frigate can also act as a landing ship, transporting a special forces detachment with two landing boats.
The crew of the frigate is 125 people plus an additional 28 people (possible landing). The displacement of the ship is 4,500 tons, the length is 122 meters. The frigate is designed for autonomous navigation for 45 days.
