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FREMM multipurpose frigate

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Carlo Bergamini, the first Italian GP variant.
Class overview
NameFREMM
Operatorslist error: <br /> list (help)
 Marine Nationale

 Italian Navy

 Royal Moroccan Navy
Preceded bylist error: <br /> list (help)
Georges Leygues-class (France)
Cassard-class (France)
Lupo-class (Italy)
Maestrale-class (Italy)
Costlist error: <br /> list (help)
€592m/unit[1](FY 2012)(France)
€470m/unit[2] (Morocco)
Built2007-
In commission2012-
Active5 (France 1, Italy 3, Morocco 1)
General characteristics
TypeFrigate
Displacementlist error: <br /> list (help)
France: 6,000 tonnes[3]
Italy: 6,900 tonnes[4]
Lengthlist error: <br /> list (help)
France: 142 m (466 ft)
Italy: 144.6 m (474 ft)
Beamlist error: <br /> list (help)
France: 20 m (66 ft)
Italy: 19.7 m (65 ft)
DraughtFrance & Italy: 5 m (16 ft)
Speedlist error: <br /> list (help)
France: 27+ knots (50 km/h (31 mph))
Italy: 29+ knots (55 km/h (34 mph))
Rangelist error: <br /> list (help)
France: 6,000 nm (11,000 km (6,800 mi)) at 15 knots
Italy: 6,700 nm (12,300 km (7,600 mi)) at 15 knots
Complementlist error: <br /> list (help)
France: 145
Italy: 199 GP version / 201 ASW version
CrewItaly: 131 GP version / 133 ASW version; add 14 crew for one helo on board or add 23 crew for two helos on board
Sensors and
processing systems		list error: <br /> list (help)
France: Héraklès multi-purpose radar
Italy: MFRA multi-purpose active radar
Armamentlist error: <br /> list (help)
Anti-air missiles:

France: 16-cell SYLVER A43 VLS for 16 × Aster 15 missiles
Italy: 16-cell SYLVER A50 VLS for 16 × Aster 15/30 missiles

Guns:
France: 1 × Otobreda 76 mm SR gun
Italy: 2 × Otobreda 76 mm SR guns (ASW variant) 1 × Otobreda 127/64 and 1 × Otobreda 76 mm SR guns (GP variant)

Anti-ship missiles:
France: 8 × MM-40 Exocet block 3 anti-ship missiles
Italy: 8 × Teseo\Otomat Mk-2/A anti-ship missiles

Land-attack cruise missiles:
France: 16-cell SYLVER A70 VLS for 16 × SCALP Naval land-attack cruise missiles

Anti-submarine warfare:
France: MU 90 torpedoes

Italy: MU 90 torpedoes (GP variant) MU 90 torpedoes and Milas (ASW variant)
Aircraft carriedlist error: <br /> list (help)
France:1 × NH90
Italy: 2 × NH90 or 1 × NH90 and 1 × EH101

The FREMM (European multipurpose frigate) (French Frégate européenne multi-mission or Italian Fregata europea multi-missione) is a class of frigate designed by DCNS/Armaris and Fincantieri for the navies of France and Italy. The lead ship of the class, Aquitaine, was commissioned in November 2012 by the French Navy. In France the class is known as the Aquitaine-class, while in Italy they are known as the Bergamini-class. Italy is buying two versions, a general purpose frigate and an anti-submarine variant; France hopes to buy an air-defence variant. To date the only export has been one anti-submarine variant delivered to Morocco in 2014.

Background

Three original variants of the FREMM were proposed; an anti-submarine variant (ASW) and a general-purpose variant (GP) and a land-attack variant (AVT) to replace the existing classes of frigates within the French and Italian navies. A total of 27 FREMM were to be constructed - 17 for France and 10 for Italy - with additional aims to seek exports, however budget cuts and changing requirements has seen this number drop significantly. The land-attack variant (AVT) was subsequently cancelled.

A third anti-air warfare variant of FREMM was proposed by DCNS in repose to French requirements for a new air-defence frigate, the new variant became known as FREDA ("FREgates de Défense Aériennes", "Air defence frigate"). This new French requirement was due to the third and fourth Horizon-class frigates being cancelled after the first two cost €1,350m each, but this decision left French Navy still in-need of replacements for its ageing Cassard-class air-defence frigates.[5]

As of 2009, the FREDA design features a more powerful version of the Héraklès radar and 32 cells of SYLVER A50 in place of the 16 cells of A43 and 16 cells of A70. The SYLVER A50 would allow it to fire the 120 km-range Aster 30 missile; the towed array sonar would not be fitted.[6]

At Euronaval 2012 DCNS showed a new concept called FREMM-ER for the FREDA requirement, again based on the FREMM, but specifically mentioning the ballistic missile defence mission as well as anti-air. FREMM-ER has a modified superstructure replacing Héraklès with the new Thales Sea Fire 500 radar, whose four fixed plates resemble those of the US Navy's AN/SPY-1.[7]

France

Original plans were for 17 FREMM to replace the nine D'Estienne d'Orves-class (A69) avisos and nine anti-submarine frigates of the Tourville class (F67) and Georges Leygues class (F70). In November 2005 France announced a contract of €3.5bn for development and the first eight hulls, with options for nine more costing €2.95bn split over two tranches (totaling 17).

Following the cancellation of the 3rd and 4th of the Horizon-class frigates in 2005 due to budgetary reasons, requirements for an air-defence derivative of the FREMM called FREDA were placed - with DCNS coming up with several proposals.[8] Expectations were that the last 2 ships of the 17 FREMM planned would built to FREDA specifications, however by 2008 the plan was revised down to just 11 FREMM (9 ASW variants and 2 FREDA variants)[5] at a cost of €8.6bn (~US$11.5bn).[1] The 11 ships would cost €592m (~US$800m) each, or €782m (~US$1,050m) including development costs.[1]

The 2013 White Paper on Defence and National Security reduced the number of FREMM frigates to enter service with the French Navy from 11 down to 8.[9] Current expectations are that there will be 6 ASW variants to replace the Georges Leygues-class frigates and 2 will be built to FREDA specifications to replace the ageing Cassard-class frigates.[10]

A decision on whether or not to build the remaining 3 FREMM will be made in 2016.

Italy

Planning assumptions for the Italian Navy were 10 FREMM (4 ASW variants and 6 GP variants) at a cost of €5.8 billion. FREMM will replace the Maestrale and Lupo-class frigates in service with the Italian Navy. As of 2013, the Italian government has approved funding for the first six FREMM to be delivered to the Italian Navy (4 ASW variants and 2 GP variants). In the 2013 Italian budget, the Italian government has laid-out the necessary financing for two more GP variants (FREMM 7 & 8) and the contract was awarded in September 2013. As of January 2014 no funding has been awarded for units 9 and 10.

Export

On 24 October 2007 it was announced that the Royal Moroccan Navy had ordered one FREMM to replace its Descubierta-class corvette.[11] The contract was signed on April 18, 2008 and construction of the Moroccan FREMM began in the summer 2008 with delivery expected in 2012 or 2013;[12] the Mohammed VI was launched in September 2011 and handed over on 30 January 2014.[2] The Moroccan ship is similar to the French anti-submarine version, without SYLVER A70 tubes for SCALP Naval, and cost €470m.[2]

On 22 January 2009 the Hellenic Navy announced an order for six FREMM to replace an equal number of Elli-class frigates.[13] After the Greek government-debt crisis this was cut down to between two and four ships equipped with SCALP Naval, with France alleged to have offered them to Greece at no cost for the first five years. Germany called foul on this deal in October 2011[14] and no deal has been signed. On February 2013 though and during the formal visit of the President of France, François Hollande, in Athens, according to press reports an agreement which includes the long-term leasing of two FREMM frigates (the Normandie and Provence according to initial reports) to the Hellenic Navy has been reached.[15]

In April 2013, the French government showcased the FREMM class in Halifax with the hope of selling to the Royal Canadian Navy.[16]

Country-specific equipment

Common equipment

  • Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun (on Italian version with Davide/Strales guided-ammunition)
  • Two torpedo launchers Eurotorp B515/3 for MU 90 torpedoes with Calzoni AHS (Automatic Handling System)
  • Two SLAT (Systeme de Lutte Anti-Torpille) anti-torpedo system (into Italian Navy only for ASW version) ASW DLS (Anti Submarine Weapon Decoy Launcher System) based on Thales ALERT sonar system, DCNS RATO command system and WASS CMAT weapon system (with 12 tube launcher for 127 mm's C-310 decoy and jammers)
  • NH90 helicopter, with capability for AW101, Cougar and Caracal
  • Thales UMS 4410 CL hull sonar
  • Thales UMS 4249 CAPTAS4 towed sonar (anti-submarine versions only)
  • Thales TUUM-6 Underwater Telephone
  • Two Sigen MM/SMQ-765 EW system: with JASS (Jamming Antenna Sub System) ECM, Nettuno 4100, by ELT Elettronica and Thales ESM (Communications and Radar ESM)
  • Two SOFRESUD Quick Pointing Devices "QPD"

French-specific equipment

  • 16 cells of SYLVER A43 VLS for Aster 15
  • 16 cells of Sylver A70 VLS for SCALP Naval cruise missile with a range up to 1000 km
  • MM-40 Exocet block 3, for naval and land attack
  • Three Nexter 20mm Narwhal remote weapon systems
  • NGDS decoy launcher
  • Héraklès radar
  • Terma Scanter 2001 radar[17]
  • Thales Artemis IRST
  • SETIS combat system
  • Sagem Najir fire control system for the 76mm gun
  • Samahé helicopter handling system

Italian-specific equipment

  • 144 m stretched hull[18]
  • 16 cells of SYLVER A50 VLS for Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles
  • Space reserved for Sylver A70 launchers for 16 SCALP Naval or similar cruise missile, but not fitted
  • Selex ES IRST SASS
  • Two Selex ES NA-25 DARDO-F fire control system for the 76mm cannon
  • Selex ES EMPAR active radar (MFRA).
  • Selex ES RASS (RAN-30X-I) surface radar (OTH)
  • LPI navigation radar Selex ES SPN-730 and two navigation radar GEM-Elettronica MM/SPN-753
  • Selex ES IFF SIR M5-PA
  • Selex ES Athena combat system (CMS), with 21, three displays, MFC (Multi Functional Consolle): 17 into COC, 2 in backup COC, 1 on bridge and 1 into Command Planning Room
  • Selex ES SAAM-ESD extended area AAW combat system (for Aster 15 & Aster 30 missiles)
  • Two OTO Melara SCLAR-H DLS Multipurpose Rocket Launcher
  • 8 Teseo\Otomat Mk-2/A block 4, for naval and land attack
  • Two Oto Melara/Oerlikon 25/80 mm, remote weapon system, controlled by close CMS
  • Curtiss-Wright TC-ASIST helicopter handling system (for both helicopters)
  • WASS SNA-2000-I, Mine Avoidance Sonar
  • UWT under water telephone
  • L-3 ELAC Nautik SeaBeam 3050, Multi-beam echo sounder (only on ASW version)
  • One 7 m and one 11 m rigid-hulled inflatable boat release and recovery lateral systems
  • 11 m rigid-hulled inflatable boat fast release and recovery system[19] (only on GP version)
  • ASW version: Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun, a second Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun on the hangar (both with Strales guided-ammunitions) and 4 MILAS ASW missile
  • GP version: Otobreda 127/64 LW with Vulcano guided ammunition with a range up to 120 km, and AAHS (Automated Ammunition Handling System) with 350 rounds + 56 in turret and a second Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun on the hangar (with Strales guided-ammunitions)

Ships of the class

Aquitaine-class

File:Aquitaine-fremm13147.jpg
Aquitaine, lead ship of the class in French service
Mohammed VI of the Royal Moroccan Navy.
 French Navy
Pennant no. Type Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Homeport
D650 ASW Aquitaine 2007 29 April 2010 23 November 2012[20] Brest
D651 ASW Normandie 2009 18 October 2012[21] Expected early 2014 Brest
D652 ASW Provence 2010 18 September 2013 2015 Toulon
D653 ASW Languedoc 2011 Toulon
D654 ASW Auvergne 2012 Toulon
D655 ASW Alsace Toulon
D656 AAW Bretagne Brest
D657 AAW Lorraine Brest
 Royal Moroccan Navy
Pennant no. Type Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Homeport
701 ASW Mohammed VI 2008 14 September 2011 30 January 2014[2] Ksar es Seghir

Bergamini-class

 Italian Navy[22]
Carlo Bergamini, lead ship of the class in Italian service
Pennant no. Type Name Laid down Launched[23] Commissioned Homeport
F590 GP Carlo Bergamini 4 February 2008 16 July 2011 29 May 2013 La Spezia
F591 ASW Virginio Fasan 12 May 2009 31 March 2012 19 December 2013[24] La Spezia
F592 ASW Carlo Margottini 21 April 2010 29 June 2013 27 February 2014 La Spezia
F593 ASW Carabiniere 6 April 2011 29 March 2014 February 2015 La Spezia
F594 ASW Alpino 23 February 2012 February 2016
F595 GP Luigi Rizzo 5 March 2013 February 2017
F596 GP -Unknown-
F597 GP -Unknown-

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces" (in French). Senate of France. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
  2. ^ a b c d Djama, Nasser (30 January 2014). "A Brest, le Maroc prend possession de sa frégate Fremm Mohammed VI". L'Usine Nouvelle (in French). Retrieved 2014-02-03.
  3. ^ Caractéristiques
  4. ^ [1]
  5. ^ a b "FREMM : 11 frégates multi-missions pour la flotte française". Mer et Marine (in French). 26 October 2008.
  6. ^ "Frégates : Le point sur les futures FREDA". Mer et Marine (in French). 12 October 2009.
  7. ^ "DCNS to unveil new FREMM Frigate variant, updated BRAVE supply ship design at Euronaval 2012". Belgium: Navy Recognition. 4 October 2012.
  8. ^ "FREMM : Supprimer des frégates, un non sens économique et stratégique?". Mer et Marine (in French). 19 September 2007.
  9. ^ "White Paper on Defense and National Security 2013" 29 April 2013 (in english)
  10. ^ Projet De Loi De programmation Militarie 2014/2019 (in French) August 2013
  11. ^ Accord conclu pour la vente d'une frégate française au Maroc | Mer et Marine
  12. ^ La construction de la FREMM marocaine débute à Lorient | Mer et Marine
  13. ^ ΑΠΟΚΛΕΙΣΤΙΚΟ: O Ε. Μεϊμαράκης ανακοίνωσε πρόγραμμα εξοπλισμών | DefenceNet.gr
  14. ^ "Germans Question Contract : France to Sell Frigates to Greece in Controversial Deal". Der Spiegel. 17 October 2011.
  15. ^ La Grèce va louer 2 frégates françaises
  16. ^ French pitch new warships for next Canadian navy vessels - Politics - CBC News
  17. ^ http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?n=Terma%20to%20deliver%20SCANTER%202001%20radars%20%20for%20the%20French%20FREMM%20program&id=2792
  18. ^ R.I.D. Rivista italiana difesa, gennaio 2013
  19. ^ R.I.D. Rivista italiana difesa gennaio 2013
  20. ^ La Marine réceptionne la FREMM Aquitaine
  21. ^ DCNS Launches Second French Fremm Frigate | Navy & Maritime Security News at DefenceTalk
  22. ^ Modifiche E Qualche Ritocco Per Le Fremm - Analisi Difesa
  23. ^ Marina Militare
  24. ^ Orizzonte Sistemi Navali
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