Part of the keel – and in particular the part called the keel – of the first FDI (Frigate Defense and Intervention) frigate, also known as “Belh @ rra”, was officially unveiled today, Thursday, at the shipyard of the construction company Naval Group in Lorient, France.
This is the first major step in the assembly of the FDI, which has been commissioned by the French Navy and is expected to be delivered in 2024.
The “present” at the event, which took place in a specially designed area where the construction of the first FDI frigate is being carried out, was given by Thanos Dokos from the Greek side, National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
As part of the presentation, the “trademark” of the frigates “Belh @ rra”, the integrated mast (mast) called Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM) was put into operation. It is an innovative system with tracking radar and a number of “smart” functions, built separately from the rest of the ship.
In this symbolic way, the Naval Group marks the beginning of the tests of the integrated battle system, with which the “Belh @ rra” frigates will be equipped. The goal is for the PSIM battle system to be “ready for battle” several months before it is installed on the first frigate.
Historic moment
Proud of the historic moment, said Naval Group CEO Pierre-Eric Pomele, stressing that FDI frigates are “multi-role vessels” that can be customized to suit user requirements and are designed with an emphasis on digital technology integration. ». He stressed that “already, both France and Greece have chosen the FDI frigates” while for its part, the Naval Group “remains faithful to its commitment to strengthen the sovereignty of France and its allies.”
“Admiral Ronar” and the other frigates
The first FDI frigate will be named after the famous French Admiral Ronard, who served as commander of the French fleet from 1919 to 1920 and distinguished himself during World War I.
In all, the French Navy has commissioned five FDI frigates, which will be delivered from the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, on the Atlantic coast, from 2024 to 2030. Based on the original plan, which is under configuration until the project is contracted, the first two Greek “Belh @ rra” – out of three in total – will be built in 2025, followed by the construction of the third ship in 2026.
The “identity” of the frigate that Greece is taking
A feature of the “Belh @ rra” frigates is that they are based on 100% digital design. Their special IT architecture is basically based on two separate data centers that operate in parallel, but also have the ability to support each one separately, if required, the ship and all its complex functions. The complexity in the conception and implementation of the FDI frigate program is such that, so far, more than 1 million hours have been required for the production of each of the ship’s units, while a corresponding time has been spent on research and the development of its state-of-the-art systems.
More than 1,200 employees are employed exclusively in the construction of “Belh @ rra” at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, while in total, the company cooperates with 400 “subcontractors”, among them companies from the wider range of the Greek defense industry.
With a displacement of up to 4,500 tons, a length of 122 meters and a maximum cruising speed of 27 nautical knots, the “Belh @ rra” is a warship that can support different roles, capable of operating independently or as part of a navy power. It is able to support the full range of modern naval operations, such as surface warfare, area air defense, anti-submarine operations as well as the execution of special operations. It features, among others, eight Exocet surface-to-air missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes and Aster 15/30 anti-aircraft missiles.
⚓️???????? Good start for the docking of the first Defense and Intervention Frigate! #navgeek pic.twitter.com/mHjfhgdxQp
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 16, 2021
The FDI program supports the employment of the entire industrial chain of shipbuilding in ????????
⚓️ 1 million hours of production work per unit
⚓️ 1 million hours of design & development
⚓️ more than 1,200 Naval Group employees
⚓️ 400 subcontractors pic.twitter.com/N29ZIFRKzr— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 16, 2021
The FDI is equipped with the new generation Seafire radar with four fixed panels, developed by @thalesgroup, which combined with the missile delivery system, offers unmatched area defence capabilities. ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/JLI7tPZtpm
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 16, 2021
The FDI introduces the concept of a dedicated system for asymmetric warfare. ⚓️ This system will enable the coordination and conduct of the fight against small and close air and surface threats, including booby trapped boats. #navgeek pic.twitter.com/fTsiHv9aHp
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 16, 2021
[#FDI] ????????⚓️ Naval Group has laid the keel of the 1⃣st defence and intervention frigate ordered by the @DGA and destined to the @MarineNationale. On the same day, the Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM), the integrated mast of the FDI, was also powered up. #navgeek pic.twitter.com/J8jaHLIYKB
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 16, 2021
Find the post from our CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet about the docking ceremony of the first Defense and Intervention Frigate.
???????? https://t.co/DbOLbOGrva pic.twitter.com/JoesZynmeJ— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 16, 2021
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