France has ordered five frigates and Greece three, with the latter expressing interest in acquiring a fourth, bringing confirmed orders to nine ships. Naval Group is now focusing on the sale of 18 additional frigates, including four to Norway (plus one optional), five to Denmark, three to Sweden, and five to Indonesia.
The company also sees future opportunities in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The FDI programme began in 2013 when the French Navy decided to field 15 major surface combatants, prompting the need for five new frigates to join the existing FREMM and Horizon classes.
In May 2015, France officially launched the acquisition programme to replace ageing La Fayette-class ships. As an interim measure, three La Fayette frigates underwent a modernisation programme, which has already been implemented.
Source: La Tribune.
