France put into operation a frigate with increased air defense
PARIS, ($1=0.89 Euros) – Launched in April 2019 and accepted by the General Directorate of Armaments [DGA] two years later, the multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capacity [FREMM DA] “Alsace” carried out a long-term deployment Over the past few months to verify his military qualities and performance.
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This new ship, called to replace the anti-aircraft frigate [FAA] “Cassard”, took part in the anti-submarine warfare exercise Dynamic Mangoose 21 last summer, learned BulgarianMilitary.com, citing opex360. And, according to the French Navy, the FREMM-DA “Alsace” has “provided invaluable assistance to surface forces thanks to its dedicated acoustic sensors”.
During this test period, the frigate was notably deployed alongside the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the Suffren, the first to the Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine [SNA]. This phase ended on November 17, with the firing of an Aster 30 surface-to-air missile, which made it possible to validate “all of its operational capabilities” and therefore to formalize its entry into service, as has just been done. indicate a press release from the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
“Alsace, which belongs to a class of efficient frigates recognized worldwide for its combat capabilities, is now ready for operations”, announced Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces. “Renewing the capabilities of our Navy is essential in the current strategic environment: faced with obstacles to freedom of navigation, faced with attempted intimidation at sea, faced with the will to deny access to certain areas, France needs to have a strong, efficient and credible navy,” she stressed.
Compared to the first six FREMMs delivered to the French Navy, Alsace has the same anti-submarine warfare capabilities. On the other hand, instead of carrying naval cruise missiles [MdCN], it can use twice as many Aster 15 or Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles as it can use [32 in total, editor’s note].
In addition, this vessel has a “wasp waist” mast to reduce stern masking for the Herakles + radar, which is more powerful than that of the first six FREMMs. It also has reinforced means of communications, a new radar, and an electro-optical fire control system, and the “operations center” of its SETIS combat system has three additional consoles.
A second [and last] FREMM-DA, the “Lorraine”, is to be delivered to the French Navy in 2022, to replace the “Jean Bart” frigate, which has just been withdrawn from active service.
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