Naval Group’s new 5,400-ton FDI frigate could carry 16 Exocets and 300 loitering munitions

Naval Group unveiled a larger, heavily armed variant of its Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI) family during the Euronaval 2026 exhibition held in Paris. Leveraging the FDI’s modular architecture to expand hull volume, endurance, and strike capabilities in high-intensity maritime combat, the stretched variant retains core combat systems from the baseline FDI for French, Hellenic, and Swedish naval customers.

The stretched variant is distinguished by a midship plug nearly 30 feet long, which increases the warship’s length to around 430 feet. The extended hull brings the frigate’s standard displacement to a total of some 5,400 tonnes. The additional 800 tonnes to the frigate’s displacement has been offset by integrating more powerful propulsion systems designed to handle the additional mass to achieve the same top speed.

Expanded missile capacity and multi-mission modularity

The main benefit of the expanded hull section will be higher depth for munitions loadout, which will help the integration of more missiles inside the warship. It can accommodate up to 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles – doubling the existing complement – alongside an additional amidships vertical launch system housing up to 18 VL MICA NG or 18 CAMM-ER surface-to-air missiles, in addition to the forward 32-cell VLS.

Alternatively, if two eight-cell Sylver A50 launchers are chosen for the midships position, this configuration frees up the forward launcher bays for the installation of a 16-cell Sylver A70 or A70 NG battery for Naval Cruise Missiles, while retaining a separate 16-cell Sylver launcher for Aster 15 and Aster 30 air-defense interceptor missiles.​

Aside from missile units, the hull extension allows for the installation of containerized and modular systems, including drone control relays and equipment related to special missions.

Launch canisters for more than 300 loitering munitions can also be accommodated within this amidships compartment. The extended length also provides accommodation space for staff and UAV operators. Increased fuel bunker capacity means the vessel’s operational radius is substantially extended.

First-rank frontline warship export footprint

The stretched FDI is designed on the foundation of the tested and operationally proven baseline FDI, which is in serial production for three naval customers: the French, Hellenic, and Swedish navies. With anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface capabilities as a first-rank surface combatant, the FDI features an optimized stealth superstructure the can sustain higher sea states.​With standard combat systems and sensors shared across configurations, Naval Group provides a flexible procurement path for partner navies.

Having an expanded hull capable of hosting enhanced long-range strike capabilities and drones without requiring investment in an entirely new class of vessel gives navies a versatile platform for operational expansion. Retaining the baseline FDI’s sensors, stealth superstructure, and core combat architecture ensures complete logistical commonality with hulls already in serial production.

By offsetting the added displacement with uprated propulsion machinery, the platform preserves the speed, endurance, and maneuverability required for demanding blue-water missions. The scalable concept positions Naval Group to meet growing export demand from maritime forces seeking heavy strike deterrence and long-range sovereign defense capabilities.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/military/naval-group-fdi-frigate