French Navy - Future Developments

Future Developments

The French Navy is undertaking a significant reinforcement, both in modernising and in number, under the Projet de loi de programmation militaire 2003–2008 ("Military programme law project 2003–2008"), which notably calls for:

  • 11 FREMM multipurpose frigates—eleven have so far been ordered, the first eight vessels were ordered in November 2005 and three more on 30 September 2009. Construction of the Aquitaine, the first ship of the series built for the French Navy, began in March 2007. She was unveiled during a ceremony at the DCNS shipyard in Lorient, France on May 4, 2010. The Aquitaine (D650) is due to be delivered during 2012, the second FREMM, the Normandie is scheduled for delivery 13 months later, followed by a delivery rate of one ship every seven months. The FREMM program is planned to continue until 2022. The first eight ships are to be supplied in an ASW (anti-submarine warfare) configuration, two further ships are to be configured in AAW (anti-air warfare) role and one other in ASW.
  • Six nuclear attack submarines of the Barracuda class—the first commissioning (the Suffren) being expected for 2017.
  • In January 2012, Dixmude (L9015), the 3rd Mistral class amphibious assault ship was delivered. A fourth ship may also be built.
  • Four Engin de débarquement amphibie rapide (EDA-R), L-CAT (CNIM's new Landing craft) were also ordered.
  • A second aircraft carrier, the Future French aircraft carrier. This project appears delayed almost indefinitely as of late 2008.
  • Gowind class corvette, L'Adroit.

  • EDA-R

  • FREMM multipurpose frigate

  • Barracuda class submarine

  • Future French aircraft carrier

The equipment will also be modernised, notably:

  • New models of the successful Exocet missile
  • MBDA Aster and SYLVER launcher systems for anti-missile and anti-air defence
  • Cruise missiles: the surface naval or submarine SCALP EG

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