French Navy’s Second BRF Supply Ship ‘Jacques Stosskopf’ Begins Sea Trials

The French Navy’s second new-generation fleet replenishment vessel, Jacques Stosskopf, has officially begun its sea trials campaign, marking a major step forward in enhancing France’s maritime logistics capabilities. The announcement was made on 9 April 2025 by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation), which oversees the multinational project.

A New Chapter in Naval Logistics

Jacques Stosskopf is the second ship of the Jacques Chevallier-class, also known by the acronym BRF (Bâtiment Ravitailleur de Forces). These advanced logistic support ships are designed to provide fuel, munitions, spare parts, and supplies to naval combat vessels during operations at sea, allowing them to stay deployed longer without needing to return to port.

The vessel will undergo several test sessions in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. These tests are crucial for evaluating the ship's systems and ensuring they meet the operational standards of the French Navy. Specialists from OCCAR, the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), and the Navy itself will closely monitor and assess the ship's performance before its final delivery in Toulon later this year.

The Jacques Chevallier-Class: Backbone of Future Naval Operations

The BRF ships are being built under the FLOTLOG program, a Franco-Italian initiative led by OCCAR on behalf of the French and Italian defense ministries. Naval Group serves as the prime contractor, with Chantiers de l’Atlantique handling the construction.

The BRF design is derived from Italy’s Vulcano-class support ship, reflecting the strong defense collaboration between France and Italy. The class includes four ships to be delivered progressively until 2029:

• Jacques Chevallier – Delivered in 2023, now operational with the French carrier strike group.

• Jacques Stosskopf – Currently undergoing sea trials.

• Émile Bertin – Under construction, delivery expected in 2027.

• Fourth ship – Scheduled for delivery by 2029.

Enhanced Capabilities and Advanced Technologies

These state-of-the-art ships are among the most capable replenishment vessels in Europe. Designed for multi-role support operations, they come equipped with modern systems and technologies:

Key Specifications of BRF Vessels:

• Displacement (Full Load): 31,000 tonnes

• Length: 194 meters

• Width: 27.60 meters

• Gross Tonnage: 28,700 GRT

• Deadweight: 14,870 tonnes

• Freight Volume: 13,000 m³

• Installed Power: 24 MW

• Crew Capacity: 190 (130 crew + 60 additional personnel)

Combat and Support Systems:

• Main Armament: Two 40 mm RAPIDFire guns per ship (developed by Thales and Nexter)

• Air Defense: Two Simbad-RC Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) systems by MBDA

• Combat Management: Polaris® Combat Management System

• Electronics: PASEO XLR long-range naval optronic system by Safran

• Boat Handling: Davit systems by Vestdavit

• Propulsion: GE MV7000 electric propulsion drives

Unique Features of Jacques Stosskopf

While similar to its predecessor, Jacques Stosskopf incorporates subtle improvements. Notably, its Simbad-RC systems have been repositioned onto extended bridge wings, offering better air defense coverage and improved protection against aerial threats.

The sea trials of Jacques Stosskopf bring the French Navy closer to fielding a full fleet of advanced supply vessels under the FLOTLOG program. Once operational, this ship will significantly enhance the endurance and flexibility of French naval operations, supporting global missions and reinforcing France’s maritime power for decades to come.