Article Posted on : - May 20, 2014

FREMM multi-mission frigate Normandie. A DCNS photo

PARIS (BNS): The Normandie multi-mission frigate will carry out a new series of sea trials over the next few weeks to test the performance of the FREMM's combat system before delivery to the French Navy at the end of 2014.

The frigate being built by French shipbuilder DCNS is the second of the series ordered by OCCAR on behalf of the DGA and the French Navy.

The series of sea trials, which will take place in the Mediterranean, will allow the Navy's operating crew and the DGA, OCCAR and DCNS specialists to check the performance of the main combat system sensors and their integration into the frigate's Combat Management System.

During these trials, the teams on board will simulate different operational scenarios to collect the information delivered by the vessel's different sensors.

Further to these trials, the FREMM Normandie will return to the DCNS site in Lorient so that the final finishing work can be carried out over the summer before its delivery to the French Navy in the final quarter of 2014.

"This period of sea trials is an essential phase in the programme: it is focused on the vessel's combat system. Concretely, the teams will test all the software and equipment parts that make the FREMM one of the most versatile and capable frigates in the world," said Anne Bianchi, Director of the FREMM programme.

The FREMM programme represents twelve units, with eleven for the French Navy and one for the Royal Moroccan Navy. DCNS is currently building five other multi-mission frigates in Lorient, all at different stages of advancement.

In November 2012, DCNS has delivered the FREMM Aquitaine, the first unit in the series of FREMM multi-mission frigates. The second unit in the programme was delivered to the Royal Moroccan Navy on 30 January 2014.