During Euronaval 2026, Naval Group presented its FDI frigate family, which now includes a new, larger and more powerful variant alongside the existing FDI in its various configurations.
This development highlights the continuous evolution of the FDI frigate design, made possible by the inherent flexibility of its naval architecture and the provisions incorporated into the original design. These features allow the platform to evolve in line with customer requirements and operational needs.
The stretched FDI features an enlarged hull, with an almost 9-meter-long section added amidships without any technical risk. The addition of the new amidships section increases the FDI’s displacement by nearly 800 tonnes, bringing it to approximately 5,400 tonnes, while the frigate’s overall length is extended to nearly 131 meters.
This modification results in a larger and heavier frigate with enhanced combat capabilities. According to Naval Group, the additional hull section does not affect the vessel’s speed, as the increased displacement is offset by the installation of more powerful engines. The additional internal volume also provides room for further weapons systems and sensors, significantly expanding the frigate’s overall capabilities.
The enlarged FDI concept was first reported in 2021 and initially presented as a way to expand the platform’s capabilities for high-intensity and long-endurance operations. However, until now, Naval Group had not released an official illustration of the concept.
More Weapons, More Capabilities
The additional hull section provides space for further weapons systems. These could include two additional eight-cell EXOCET anti-ship missile launchers, bringing the total number of missiles to 16, alongside up to 18 VL MICA NG or +18 CAMM-ER surface-to-air missiles (SAM). Alternatively, the two additional EXOCET launchers and the VLS for VL MICA NG or CAMM-ER could be replaced by two eight-cell A50 SYLVER launchers. This configuration would free up the forward silo for the integration of Naval Cruise Missiles (NCM) in A70/A70 NG 16-cell VLS, while retaining a separate 16-cell VLS for SAM.
The additional volume could also accommodate other mission-specific equipment, including systems to support special operations forces, communications equipment for drone guidance, containerized loitering munitions or kamikaze drones (with a capacity of more than 300!) alongside SAM and SSM, or any combination of capabilities required by the customer.
The enlarged section also provides additional accommodation for personnel, including UAV operators, special operations forces and an admiral’s staff. Furthermore, the extended hull allows for increased fuel storage, significantly improving the frigate’s operational range and endurance.
FDI, A 1st Rank Frigate
FDI is a combat-ready first rank multi-purpose frigate, built in serial production for France, Greece, and Sweden, and so allowing rapid deliveries. It has already demonstrated its capabilities for long- endurance and high-intensity operations, under the most demanding conditions around the globe, in all warfare domains.
Designed for extreme weather conditions, the FDI combines advanced anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities in a single platform. The frigate is interoperable with NATO forces and benefits from proven technologies already deployed by the French Navy. The FDI is designed to operate in conjunction with drones and can also carry aerial and surface drones. The design is versatile with a lot of different configurations depending on the requirement of our customers. With a wide range of possible configurations, the ship’s multi-mission capabilities can be supplemented with specialised capabilities.
