French Navy Unveils Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel with 2400 Tonnes Displacement at Euronaval 2024
At Euronaval 2024 in Paris, the French Ministry of Armed Forces and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) unveiled the newest addition to the French Navy’s maritime arsenal: the Patrouilleur Hauturier (PH), or Offshore Patrol Vessel. This new generation of patrol vessels represents a significant upgrade from the aging D’Estienne d’Orves-class ships and Flamant-class boats, promising enhanced capabilities that align with modern maritime security demands.
The development of the PH program is central to France's strategic vision of securing its maritime territories and ensuring seamless state action at sea. These new vessels are equipped to handle diverse missions, including maritime surveillance, deterrence support, evacuation operations, protection of vital infrastructure, and escort and intervention roles. As global maritime dynamics evolve, the new OPVs are crafted to counter the complex security challenges that arise in French areas of interest.
A Modern Multi-Mission Maritime Force
The Patrouilleur Hauturier program began to take shape following a November 17, 2023, contract that saw the French government order seven state-of-the-art patrol vessels. Designed collaboratively by Naval Group with contributions from PIRIOU, CMN, and SOCARENAM, the new OPVs reflect cutting-edge naval architecture. The design phase commenced in 2020, and by May 22, 2024, construction of the first vessel was underway at PIRIOU’s Concarneau shipyard. Naval Group’s role includes overseeing construction and ensuring adherence to the French Navy's rigorous standards. The first patrol vessel is slated for delivery in 2026, with full operational status expected by 2027. The entire fleet of ten ships will be commissioned by 2035, honoring heroes of WWII, with one vessel named after the Île de Sein as a tribute to Brittany’s valiant resistance during the war.
Enhanced Specifications and Endurance
At 92 meters in length and displacing 2,400 tonnes, the new OPVs are far more capable than their predecessors. They feature a diesel-electric propulsion system that delivers a top speed exceeding 21 knots and an impressive endurance of 6,000 nautical miles or 30 days at sea. The vessels boast a breadth of 14.2 meters and a draft of 3.6 meters. Designed for long-term service, each ship has a projected lifespan of 35 years, with 140 days of annual operational availability, aiming to increase to 220 days, and total year-round availability reaching 300 days.
Crew capacity is also expanded: the ships can accommodate up to 84 personnel, a mix of crew and mission-specific specialists. This reflects the French Navy’s emphasis on operational flexibility, enabling the vessels to be tailored for a wide array of assignments, from coastal security to high-seas missions.
Sophisticated Combat Systems
Naval Group has outfitted the new OPVs with state-of-the-art systems that optimize both combat and operational efficiency. At the heart of the ship is the SETIS-C combat management system (CMS), which integrates the latest automation technologies. The SHIPMASTER system handles platform control, managing everything from power generation to alert mechanisms, ensuring the ship can seamlessly transition between roles. The PH vessels also come equipped with Exail’s Phins Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Netans Data Distribution Units (DDU), which provide unparalleled navigation precision.
Radar capabilities are spearheaded by Thales’ NS54 4D AESA multi-function X-band radar, a sophisticated system capable of aerial and surface surveillance, fire control, and target identification. To safeguard against underwater threats, the OPVs are fitted with the BLUEWATCHER hull-mounted sonar, a rare but vital asset in a patrol vessel, providing crucial intelligence and protection during submarine operations.
Defense and Weaponry
In terms of firepower, the French Navy’s new OPVs are equipped with the formidable RapidFire 40mm gun system from Thales/KNDS, mounted prominently at the bow. This advanced weapon system can engage aerial and surface targets effectively, utilizing A3B munitions that enhance its anti-air capability. Additionally, provisions for future armament enhancements, such as the MBDA SIMBAD system with Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles, are built into the design. The ships also feature multiple 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 7.62mm general-purpose machine guns, and a variety of non-lethal deterrence tools.
The onboard surveillance capabilities are enhanced with Safran’s VIGY 4 electro-optical system, allowing for day-and-night observation, essential for modern maritime operations. CERBAIR’s HYDRA counter-drone system further secures the vessel from emerging unmanned aerial threats, with antennas strategically placed around the ship.
Unmatched Versatility and Support Systems
The new OPVs are designed with an integrated mast housing the NS54 radar, multiple navigation sensors, and communication systems. The bridge offers a panoramic view, a design feature that enhances situational awareness and operational response. The aft section includes a hangar large enough to accommodate both an Airbus H160M helicopter and an Airbus VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS), reflecting the OPVs' air-sea operational capability.
The vessel also has space for two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) of different sizes: the Zodiac Hurricane EDO NG and the larger Zodiac ECUME, essential for boarding operations, search and rescue, and rapid response tasks. A large crane on the starboard side facilitates the deployment of equipment or a smaller RHIB, and the hangar deck is designed to house modular containers for mission-specific gear.
A Leap Forward in Maritime Security
The new Patrouilleur Hauturier class represents a significant leap forward for the French Navy, combining firepower, endurance, and technological sophistication to address the broad spectrum of contemporary maritime threats. As these vessels prepare to enter service, they mark a pivotal step in reinforcing France’s maritime defense posture, ensuring the nation’s strategic interests and territorial waters remain well protected. The unveiling at Euronaval 2024 not only showcased a state-of-the-art warship but underscored France's commitment to future-proofing its naval forces in an increasingly contested maritime landscape.
