With the "Brittany", the fifth of eight of the new multi-mission frigates ("FREMM") of the French Navy was put into service on February 20th. It was handed over to the Navy on July 18, 2018. In the French (certification) process, long-term use (usually six months) is planned after sea trials and before deployment, often with maneuver participation. For example, "Brittany" took part in the NATO maneuver Trident Juncture. Due to engine or drive damage, the commissioning was delayed by a month. Ponant becomes the home port of the "Brittany".
The "Normandie", hull number 6, began her sea trials at the end of February. Her certification by the Navy is scheduled for the summer and her entry into service is scheduled for (early) 2020 (Brest as home port). Hull numbers 7 ("Alsace") and 8 ("Lorraine") as the remaining units of the "FREMM" program are under construction in Lorient. It is scheduled to be placed in service by 2023.
Technical data of the "FREMM" class:
| Dimensions: | 142 x 20 meters |
| Displacement: | 6,000 tons |
| Speed: | 27 knots |
| Capability Helicopter | a Caiman helicopter |
| Armament:
|
16 MdCN (British-French naval cruise missile) (not hull number 7 and 8) 8 EXOCET MM40 Block3 ship-to-ship missiles 16 ASTER 15 (ab Baunummer 5 ist eine spätere Nachrüstung mit ASTER 30 vorgesehen)(Baunummer 7 und 8: 32 ASTER 15/30)  Artillery: 76mm, two 20mm guns Torpedo 2×2 MU90 |
| sensors: | Multifunction radar Heracles Hull sonar UMS 4110 Towing sonar Captas 4 jammer (2) |
The "FREMM" program is an Italian-French joint project. Both shipyards (Fincantieri and Naval Group) compete for export opportunities.
Hans-Uwe Mergener
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