Order placed for fifth FDI frigate for French Navy

In French Navy service, the FDIs will complement the larger FREMM or Aquitaine-class frigates and replace the La Fayette-class ships that have been in operation since the 1980s. The introduction of the FREMM and FDI ships into service is in line with the French Navy’s goal of having a fleet of 15 vessels classified as “first-rate” frigates.

Upon completion, Cabanier will have a length of 122 metres, a beam of 17.7 metres, and accommodation for 125 crewmembers and 28 additional personnel. A combined diesel and diesel propulsion arrangement with a total installed power of 32,000 kW will deliver a top speed of 27 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.

The ship's armament will consist of Aster surface-to-air missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, an OTO Melara 76mm naval gun, two remotely controlled 20mm autocannons, and a torpedo decoy countermeasures launcher.