# France Orders Fifth FDI Frigate from Naval Group
France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) has ordered a fifth Frigate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) frigate from Naval Group, with the vessel designated to carry the name Amiral Cabanier. The ship will be constructed at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard, continuing the expansion of the French Navy’s modern frigate fleet. The order announcement was made by the French Ministry of Defence.
The FDI-class frigate program represents a cornerstone of France’s maritime defense strategy, designed to conduct operations ranging from coastal patrol to anti-piracy missions and territorial surveillance. With a displacement of approximately 4,000 tonnes, these frigates are configured for extended operations in French overseas territories and international waters. The class has proven operational capabilities across the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions, supporting French naval presence in strategically important maritime zones.
The addition of a fifth vessel underscores France’s commitment to maintaining naval superiority and operational readiness in contested waters. This order supports continued employment at the Lorient shipyard and reinforces Naval Group’s position as a key defense contractor. For the maritime industry, the expansion of this frigate class signals sustained investment in naval capabilities and demonstrates France’s prioritization of modernization amid evolving security challenges. The vessel will eventually join the French Navy’s active roster, enhancing its capacity for sustained multi-mission operations.