Floreal-class

Summary

Description

The Floréal class frigates, designed for the French Navy, are defined as light "surveillance frigates" aimed at patrolling in low-threat environments. The genesis of this class came about in the late 1980s, with the French Navy ordering the ships in 1989 with an eye on cost-efficiency.

The origins of the ships trace back to the need for cost-effective naval presence in France's expansive territorial waters and economic exclusive zones. To this end, the Floréal class adopted commercial shipbuilding standards rather than military ones, leading to a lowered cost that allowed the construction of three Floréal class ships for the price of a single La Fayette-class frigate.

In terms of design, these frigates have welded steel hull and superstructure along with transverse bulkheads and employ fin stabilizers due to their broad beam. They have a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) power system, with four diesel engines operating two controllable pitch propellers. They are also equipped with a bow thruster and possess dual rudders. The engineering approach embraced a more commercially aligned construction with all engines located in a single machinery room, simplifying maintenance procedures.

The Floréal class was initially equipped with two Exocet MM38 surface-to-surface missiles and a 100 mm CADAM turret, which were removed in 2014 following the end of the missiles' life cycle. They also feature two 20 mm modèle F2 guns, multiple radar systems, electronic surveillance, a helicopter landing pad, and hangar to accommodate different helicopter types with maritime capability.

During their operational history, the six French ships – Floréal, Prairial, Nivôse, Ventôse, Vendémiaire, and Germinal – have been active across the globe. They have served in both military and humanitarian capacities in areas such as the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Guinea, and for various relief efforts following natural disasters. They have been essential in patrolling French overseas territories in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

Two additional ships of the Floréal class were constructed for the Royal Moroccan Navy in the early 2000s. Named Mohammed V and Hassan II, these vessels feature minor differences compared to their French counterparts, including a different main gun – an Otobreda 76 mm turret and the potential for Simbad surface-to-air missiles.

The Floréal class's expected service in the French Navy spans until the 2030s, with conversations surrounding their replacement with the planned European Patrol Corvette already taking place.

The Philippines has also showed interest in a modernized variant of the Floréal class, which was offered by STX France in 2014, suggesting the design's continuing appeal well into the 21st century.

Technical specifications

Photo of Floreal class