P400-class

Summary

Description

The P400-class patrol vessels were commissioned by the French Navy to conduct police operations within France's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Developed by Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie, they were intended to uphold maritime law and security. The class included designs for an armed variant with Exocet MM38 missiles and an unarmed public service version, though neither option was selected in the end. Instead, the French Navy opted for an intermediate configuration.

With their design geared towards flexibility, the P400-class boats featured situational monitoring capabilities, a streamlined maintenance process, and a reduced crew made possible by remote engine monitoring. A standout feature was a 2.5-ton hydraulic crane, which allowed for anti-pollution efforts and at-sea recovery operations. However, initial engine issues cast doubt on their reliability, which took time and modifications to address.

Over the years, the P400-class was primarily committed to duties across France's overseas territories. Their assignments ranged from EEZ enforcement and close surface monitoring to international support and humanitarian efforts. France eventually sought replacements for these vessels, planning to phase them out with the more heavily armed D'Estienne d'Orves-class ships. By May 2023, all but one of the P400 boats, La Glorieuse, had been retired from French service.

The P400s expanded their footprint beyond France. Similar vessels operated in the Brazilian and Gabonese navies, with individual ships transferred to Kenya and Gabon. Upon their decommissioning, these ships undertook various fates, from retirement to sale and refurbishment for other nations' naval forces.

To replace the retiring P400s and other coast guard ships, France ordered six 80-meter POM-type patrol vessels, set to be delivered between 2022 and 2025. These new ships will ensure the continued protection of France's overseas EEZ. However, the delivery of the first replacement vessel was delayed from the initially planned date of 2022 to 2023.

Technical specifications