Defense and Intervention Frigate Ship Brief

[@qtdcanada]

I am impressed that so far 4 ships of this FDI design have been built, with 2 launched (for sea trials) for the Hellenic Navy which placed the order for 3 (and earlier this week exercised the option for the 4th ship) in 09/2021, from a single shipyard. Granted, the ships are constructed in sections and then assembled together. I also note that the Greek version has 32 VLS for medium-range SAM (Aster 15 & Aster 30), as well as a 21-round RAM short-range atop the hangar; these changes from the baseline design didn't result in any time delay and significant cost increases. There is a really fundamental problem with US naval ship construction, considering that US shipyards built 31 Spruance-class destroyers (8,000 tons) in 11 years, 51 Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates (4,200 tons) in 25 years. Now adays, US warships are more often than not delivered late and over-budgeted.

[@BzhToine]

Perun just did a video on US ship building problems.

[@ludovicbon5903]

French NH-90 carry MU90 torpedoes . There's no Mk-46 or 54 torpedoes in the french navy since at least 15 years . Due to the modular conception, the whole mast called Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module, can be used on the ground to train the crew before the end of the ship building .

[@dragon1w4e5]

Greek Navy uses MK46/54 on their MH-60R

[@thunderK5]

Naval Group Is building these frigates side-by-side. However, the 2nd French vessel will be the 4th ship constructed. The 2nd and 3rd ships are both being constructed but they will be the 1st and 2nd Greek ships, respectively.

[@didfet5496]

One of the most interesting things about this ship is how it is assembled. The center section with the radars and the command room is built apart, fully equipped and then integrated in one block on the hull. So most of the sensors and the « brain » of the ship can be tested before being installed.

[@akisakis665]

In greece navy the fdi will feature also a ram launcher and an extra 16 aster 30s

[@edouardmontfort7816]

The french also will be added an extra RAM in 2025.

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

I enjoy how excited Aaron is here. So many sub stories are tense or sad; it's just nice to hear something he can be unrestrainedly jazzed about.

[@NicofromParis]

Incredible design ! I like the modular approach and it’s impressive to see so much firepower in a relatively small ship

[@audyssea]

1:52 the Greek frigates will be equiped with 32 Sylver VLS cells

[@aerithofmyore]

The La Fayette based Formidable class frigate was amazing. Seems like this will continue that legacy

[@joseiribarne8462]

1) CODAD uses gearboxes and clutches to engage 1 or 2 Diesels to each of two shafts. No generators and electrical motors for propulsion as in CODLAD (aka CODELAD); 2) The Sylver VLS can launch one missile every 0.15 sec, but actual rate of fire is limited by the CMS. In the British Type 45 it is 8 missiles in 10 sec; 3) The MU90 torpedo is autonomous, not wire guided.

[@brunol-p_g8800]

11:56: French Fremm frigates and their Herakles radar successfully shot down ballistic missiles with the Aster 30 (the normal one, not the B1NT) in the Red Sea, so yes we have the proof it can shoot down ballistic missiles.

[@MotoMarios]

The Hellenic FDIs are going to have 8x4 A50 VLS cells for a total capacity of 32 ASTER30 missiles, plus there will be RAM-21 close range missile system.

[@100Kakdela]

Was not into Navy that much until discovering Sub Brief, but this channel awesome. Keep it up, great work!

[@ΧρήστοςΧατζησαββίδης-ε2π]

Just to mention that Hellenic Navy's FDI will be more heavily equiped and one more thing, the French really know how to design and build amazing millitary equipment.

[@TelManothHexperax]

i think only 16 cell is really short indeed .

[@ΔωδεκάνησοςΡοδοςΣύμη]

​@@TelManothHexperax That's why it became 32" forward👍

[@TelManothHexperax]

@@ΔωδεκάνησοςΡοδοςΣύμη you see the hellenic ship lunch to the sea last month ? Naval group made 2 video about the 2 they are building and they both on sea now . They are nice ship i like them, i think the futur is more on a lot of small ship like with who had all the modern radar/sonar ... them a couple of 8/9 k tonne who cost twice the price .

[@GIANNHSPEIRAIAS]

the french also will have that option we saw the first one with the placement at the bow

[@TheHunterOfYharnam]

Yes and the Greeks will actually have 4 not 3.

[@chefchaudard3580]

12:00 Aster missiles have « hit to kill » capability, at least for the latest versions and are highly maneuverable, thanks to vectoring thrust and aerodynamic controls. They can intercept ballistic missiles.

[@bigsarge2085]

Interesting as always! And maybe it is a typo; 1.5 sec instead of 15 sec.

[@guillaumefigarella1704]

it is! like on fremm and horizon its 1.5 second

[@rainerkinzinger555]

same with the "8000" hp and the "42000kg"

[@guillaumefigarella1704]

@@rainerkinzinger555 thats one compact frigate

[@bulthaosen1169]

​@@rainerkinzinger55542 ton? No wonder everyone wants it.

[@sebastianguerraty6413]

Hi Aron, 2 comments about the MU90: as per the manufacturer it has a pumpjet for propulsion, so its probably very very quiet when using the long range mode, so the propulsion is probably similar to a mk50 than a mk46 (no idea about speed though, going to have to wait for it to be added to warthunder to find that out XD) They claim it is extremely accurate, a feature it is marketed as having is counter torpedo defense, where it will swim out and do a soft kill of an incoming weapon (by exploding next to it). Also the NH90 as a european project is used by a lot of countries, some of them use US weapons but Im quite confidente france is using their own MU90 torpedos on their ship. You probably found it is capable of shooting the mk54 because it flies with other users that use US made weapons, but it uses the MU90 in both french and italian service (probably since the company that makes the MU90 is owned by thales and leonardo....)

[@Tuning3434]

Likely, the Dutch Navy is very much running Mk46 and Mk54 on their NH-90 helicopters. Very much US torpedo oriented ever since the Dutch submarine service introduced the Mk.37s after using Royal Navy torpedoes for decades.

[@CROM-on1bz]

Thank you for decoding for us all these acronyms that please the military all over the world and for explaining things so simply so that they can be understood by these ignorant civilians that we are. Great work of popularization, bravo.

[@tonyhawk94]

The version destined to the Greek navy in particular is really great, the one for the French navy lacks a bit of punch but still can be improved overtime so that's a solid cost effective solution imo...Also regarding the new drone threat the new 40mm Rapidfire would be a great addition.

[@Plutokta]

It was the Same for the FREMM design. The Italian ships are more heavily armed than the French one. There are mostly two reasons for that. The first one is obviously cost. But the french navy also emphasize range over firepower (so somewhat lighter vessels) due to the size of the areas in which they have to operate (the Atlantic and the pacific), while Italian and and Greek navies are mostly constrained to the Mediterranean and Egean sees and emphasize firepower over range. Its always about compromise.

[@lordtemplar9274]

@@Plutokta fyi italian fremm have only 16 vls, but french fremm have 32 vls, and also have Sylver 70 vls to shoot MDCN cruise missile. the only aspect that italian fremm have more firepower is 2 guns vs 1. ie bigger front 127mm gun + 76mm gun, wheras french only have one 76mm. sorry but guns are more limited in range and firepower than cruise missiles that carry heavier warhead at over 1000km.

[@phil_nebula676]

​@lordtemplar9274 Actually, it's either 16 to 32 VLS the GP version of which 6 are in service have 32 cells SLYVER VLS and a 127mm Oto Melara 127/64LW main gun, while the ASW version of which 4 have been built are equip with 16 cells SLYVER VLS and are armed with the lighter OTO Melara 76mm Super rapid gun. With another 2 FREMM EVO on order to be delivered by the end of the decade!

[@yanniskouretas8688]

I'm extremely pleased that Hellenic navy chose this ship against the USN littoral class that was been lobbied quite aggressively...

[@joechang8696]

The LCS was meant to be configurable to multiple missions, as opposed to DDG being multi-mission permanently. Options for ASW, mine hunting, etc. WTF is it 45kt capable? It may sound cool to be fast. But fast on water means enormous power, and stress from pounding on the waves

[@yanniskouretas8688]

@@joechang8696 on paper they seem very capable for operating in shallow waters and restricted seas but they never resolved their jet water propulsion problems and the minimum crew concept proved problematic at best ...

[@humanbeing9079]

The LCS has been a complete nightmare, are you living in another universe?

[@billwhoever2830]

@@humanbeing9079 the greek navy made a competition for 3-4 multi role frigates for a specific budget, multiple countries showed their options for sale and the US was agresive with LCS class, the LCS was clearly the worst ship out of any other shown in the competition the Italians had a version of the FREMM which was a really strong option too but it didn't have 360 degree AESA coverage

[@Beyllion]

They bought F35 tho....

[@MihalisNavara]

Some things I'd like to point out: 1) Lorient is pronounced lorry-Ann 2) The Greek FDIs will not have MH90, but MH 60R helicopter. 3) Some of the parts are manufactured in Greek shipyard and then shipped to France. 4) The propulsion isn't diesel electric. 5) 16V in this case, doesn't mean that the engine has 16 valves. It means that it has 16 cylinders and it's v shaped, like a V8 engine. The valves most probably are 64.

[@theMooly]

I think for 1) that's abit misleading. and being like that with Anglophones saying french word isn't really nice, they spend a long time learning to sound right and their language has alot of nuance we dont even perceive ourselves, as a general matter telling them how to pronounciate is rather rude... They learn to be nice to us, might aswell learn ourselves atleast the bare base. They can say how ever it sounds correct, it's the baseline of "their language". As far as I know in french we say Londre not London :P

[@Leptospirosi]

The Aster 30 B1NT is purpose made for intercepting ballistic missiles. In the red sea, a couple of Houti Ballistic missiles have benn shot down by the standard Aster30 as well. The radar capabilities of the FDI I don't know, as it's a new system.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

That comm system is awesome. Resource friendly....but most importantly, it is FAST. You can get actionable intel quickly.

[@GiorgosP06]

It was recently announced that most of the Greek frigates will carry the scalp naval cruise missile

[@lordtemplar9274]

thx great video. just a couple of comments 1. NH90 Caiman carries MU90 torpedo for french navy 2. Aster missiles can maneuvre up to 30G with the PIF-PAF system 3. Aster and Sylver VLS firing rate seems very wrong at 15 seconds per shot. it is much faster as clearly demonstrated in recent videos of Alsace Fremm in Red Sea that shot down 3 Houthi (Iranian) ballistic missiles in a fire volley of 3 Aster 30. (1 missile per target) so 15 seconds must be a typo and more like 1.5 seconds. 4. Aster 30 block 1NT is antiballistic against 1500km class medium range ballistic. It is entering service first with land syetem SAMP/T in 2025. Adoption in french navy will follow, probably with Horizon class frigates which is about to start MLU next year. Not sure about french missile stocks but FDI will likely be carrying Aster 30 Block 1NT for French Navy by the time they enter service. FYI Aster 30 block 2 is in development to reach even longer ranged ballistic missiles. 5. 1st French FDI Ronarch is built and undergoing sea trials, 2 Greek FDI have already been launched and being fitted with equipment. Just to say construction is well underway and moving nicely, so far. 6. Greek have ordered 3 and just confimed option to get a 4th. Greek FDI will have 32 VLS cells and a RAM system on top of heli hangar. There are rumors/discussions of Greece wanting a Sylver A70 VLS to use MDCN cruise missiles, will see what is officially agreed.

[@brunol-p_g8800]

The French navy ordered 185 new Asters, plus the amount of missiles shot to date, to be delivered starting in 2025, said the chief of the French Navy in October 2024. As for the Greek wanting the MDCN, I don’t know if it is feasible. The MDCN is considered a strategic weapon in the French Navy and can be used only on the decision of the French president. But if somehow they sell it to Greece, I think the export variant will see its range reduced, just like export SCALPs/Storm Shadows have a reduced range, as a consequence of the international treaty that prohibits the export of missiles with a long range and limits it under 500km.

[@DunkOver]

@@brunol-p_g8800 Oh come on dude! You must be naive if you think that the world is that innocent following limitations like this one. There are no reduced range export versions on cruise or ballistic missiles. That said do you think that the Poland paid 1,5B€ to buy 821 AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER missiles from the USA that have only 499km range? fr?

[@pantheon56]

Greece ordered a 4th one last week! The last 3 will have the long range Scalp Naval capabilities!!!!

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

9:18 Captas IV is French. And US MH-60R Seahawk are also using “FLASH” French sonar 😊

[@Stinger522]

Unlike our Constellation class. This frigate will actually set sail.

[@tippo5341]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 sadly sooooooo true....LCS mkII the Constellation class has turned into!!!!

[@castlekingside76]

@Stinger522 the US has this rip off taxpayer mob thing going. They build one sub every 5 years, the Chinese build 20. They just want money. Constellation is a capable ship, but mothballing them after just paying for them is criminal.

[@brunol-p_g8800]

It did, the fist one is undergoing sea trials.

[@kasdanasal]

Always a pleasure to watch another ship brief. Thank you Aaron. I hope the expo goes well!

[@Cravendale98]

The Greek variant in particular is very well equipped, 16 air-defence missiles for the French variant is quite low and in a high intensity war it would struggle to stay in the fight for long.

[@jean-marc-lafon]

@@Cravendale98 What France lacks a lot IMHO is a quad-packed point defense VLS-able missile such as the Sea-Ceptor or ESSM.

[@klausberfelde-je2ye]

Same problem with the German F126 ASW frigate.😟

[@Cravendale98]

@@klausberfelde-je2ye The difference is that the F126 uses MK41 VLS and ESSM which can be quad packed for a total of 64 air defence missiles, sure if you want to use SM2 or other long range missiles you're gonna run into the same problem.

[@user-BasedChad]

@@Cravendale98 the reason the french version has lower armament is because of cost but also because eof range. The french navy values range more than firepower since it needs to defend overseas territories and travel long ranges while projecting power and protecting Frances carrier group. Greece's doctrine emphasizes Mediterranean missions, which are closer to the county and self defense in on of the most dense archipelago in the world. In that scenario you need as much firepower you want and the ship's range be damned.

[@stavea.1991]

The fomer Ship plan in equipment was lighter and with less weapons. It is the Greek Navy which want those configuration. Greeks also show to naval group which kind of modern warship is needed. They ordered the 4th FDI which come directly with Sylver A70, so the HN need the SCALP Naval in those Ships, so they become another capability and can fire Missiles up to 1000km. In some media I read that another VLS is already mounted even on the 1st and 2nd FDI HN. Nr. 3 and 4 should become improved capabilities.

[@ungergabor]

The 1000km range is the range of the submarine-launched version. The range of the VLS cell-launched version is 1400km. However, I do not know whether the Missile Technology Control Regime could limit the sale of a missile with this range. As it stands, both parties are part of the Regime.

[@brunol-p_g8800]

It is very unlikely the Greek MDCN will have the full range as on French ships. International treaties limit the export missiles range under 500km, like the export versions of the SCALP’s range which is under 500km as opposed to the versions of SCALP used by the French and British. As for the original layout of the ship, the only thing that changes on the Greek and French Navy versions are the RAM launcher added on the Greek versions. The first FDIs have 16 cells and others will be added later, while the later FDIs will finish construction with the full 32 cells.

[@ungergabor]

@@brunol-p_g8800 An earlier top view shows the Kimon with 32 vls cells. These could obviously still all be A50 cells.

[@KRYPTIA-mp4ol]

1)They can also carry scalp naval cruise missiles 2)The Hellenic navy finally ordered 4 ships 3)we also bought romeo helicopters to put on our frigates 4)the Greek ships will have 32 aster 30 missiles instead of 16 that you mentioned

[@LEH-fl8ws]

Are we going to get a Ship Brief on the Royal Navy's upcoming Type 26 and Type 31 frigates?

[@brunol-p_g8800]

When everything gets sorted out I believe you will. These frigates are way beyond schedule and based on already antiquated designs (the equivalent of 30 years old French ships).

[@LEH-fl8ws]

@@brunol-p_g8800 You mean the Type 26 and Type 31? Both are modern designs, especially Type 26. Type 31 is based on the Iver Huitfeldt, but the design has been altered and modernised to fit Royal Navy standard, and are far beyond 30 years old French ships.

[@billwhoever2830]

the reason the FDI was chose is because it has 32VLS and at the same time has 360 AESA coverage, it was the only ship with such a radar and modern systems inside from the options presented, the Greek navy is planning to use these ships as command and control platforms the Scalp-NG missile (naval version of the Scalp-EG/Storm Shadow) was in the talking to be equipped on the VLS of the FDI but a lot of people in the Navy would prefer more SAMs instead of them, the Greek air-force already has Storm Shadows on its' arsenal even if the Scalp-NG is not purchased 8 of the 32 VLS will still be the larger A70 which can theoretically load Scalp-NG or other larger missiles that might be provided in wartime

[@edouardmontfort7816]

It's a wonderful idea to buy the naval cruise missile. The air force one has a shorter range and you need to put your Rafales in the air. Whereas with 4 frigates, you can ensure at least 1 is always at sea, and thus maintain a posture of permanent deterrence, ready to shoot within seconds at any time.

[@IMAN7THRYLOS]

The Greek FDIs will pack 32 launchers for 32 ASTER-30 missiles and a RAM CIWS system. The limitation with this ship however is that it carries the Slyver-50 and not the bigger SLYVER-70 launcher. This doesn't permit the ship to carry the MdCN long range land attack cruise missile, some versions of ASTER that are best suited for medium range anti ballistic missile and likely the FCAS missile family of supersonic cruise land attack and anti ship missiles that are expected to enter service towards the end of the decade.

[@HarrySerpanos]

The MU90 torpedo's top speed is 50+ knots. To calculate it, time 26 m/s by 3.6 (3600 seconds in an hour) and that will give you 93.6 km/h which divided by 1.852 gives you 50.54 knots.

[@chronus4421]

Great video, thanks Jive!

[@marc9080]

Amazing Fregate Naval Group is tne MASTER now!

[@frenchouiaboo816]

subsonic isn't really an issue for ASMs, the lower speeds allow for more active manouvers to and dodging counter fire, which it does

[@MIL-STD]

Hi Aaron. Small tidbit I hope may help your future pieces on Thales equipment. The company name is actually pronounced like 'TALIS' (the H is silent) - I've worked with them, and was promptly and tersely corrected by one of their employees :)

[@christianfournier6862]

I, for one, am a proponent of the International phonetic alphabet (I wish it could be on all keyboards) but I'm not a seasoned practitioner. My understanding of Thalès transcribed into IPA would be : [t][a][l][ɛ][s].

[@amatakor]

Hey! Former Thales guy here so let me add to your comment if you do not mind - it's actually TA (as in task) - LESS (as in less stuff). Not the most obvious name to pronounce for the non-French speakers, kind of a shame if you ask me.

[@phillipphil1615]

Very interesting summary . Good job.

[@LEH-fl8ws]

The British PAAMS system, which also uses the A50 VLS, can fire 8 missiles every 10 seconds, so that's a missile every 1.25 seconds. Not sure why the French one is so slow. Similarly, the Aster terminal dart is supposed to be rated for up to 60G manoeuvres.

[@guillaumefigarella1704]

i'm pretty sure its a typo as fremm and horizon have similar missiles launch times and they use the same system

[@Akm72]

Ah, you beat me to it. Posted the same info.

[@GrahamCStrouse]

Like most things British, it’s useless. There’s no magazine depth.

[@LEH-fl8ws]

@@GrahamCStrouse The British Type 45 destroyer currently has 48 A50 VLS for 16 Aster-15 and 32 Aster-30s, each of which is incredibly accurate, aiming for a one shot, one kill performance. However, the British government also recognised that the future of naval air defence will require greater interceptor capacity, and acted to address the issue by announcing that in addition to the 48 A50 cells, 24 SeaCeptor 'mushroom farm' cells will also be installed, bringing the total missile count to 72, with 24 being short range CAMMs, replacing Aster-15, and 48 Aster-30 Block 1 anti-ballistic medium range missiles. This is the average amount of missiles that an air defence destroyer will carry, and is perfectly serviceable. The Arleigh Burke, which is what I suspect you're comparing the Type 45 to in your head, is not a dedicated anti-air warfare destroyer; it is a multirole destroyer designed for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and it therefore requires more VLS cells to house Tomahawk, VL-ASROC and dedicated exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missiles like the SM-3, that the Type 45 does not need. And Graham, the Type 45 is not useless. In fact, its anti-air capabilities are well respected both inside and outside the Royal Navy.

[@LEH-fl8ws]

@@GrahamCStrouse The British PAAMS system on the Type 45 has 48 missiles currently, and will soon have 72, 80 if you count NSM in a naval strike role. 48 Aster 30s, 24 CAMMs and 8 NSMs, a very respectable loadout.

[@dimitrispatsiaouras713]

The FDI HN has 32 A50 vls cells and a 21cell RAM launcher so it can respond better to air and antiship missile attacks

[@andreactuel7209]

and 6 instead of 4 torpedoes tubes

[@phil_nebula676]

27:24 beside the NH90 Carman it will also carry the Airbus Helicopter H160M Geupard or the navalised version with ASW and Anti-shipping capability. But considering it is still being develop it could be sometime before it enter service!

[@notsam498]

You know I think the US firms could learn some lessons from this design. This is an incredibly forward thinking design, it really show cases what a frigate should be.

[@anselmdanker9519]

😊 great presentation 😊

[@nobodyjustme7481]

Please do review on future Italian frigate FREMM Evo. Thank you.

[@ADB-zf5zr]

@SubBrief @18:19 I believe that the firing rate that you were complaining about as being incredibly slow at one missile every 15-seconds, whereas it ashould be something like every 1.5 seconds. Looking at this, it is on the slide, (albeit less than perfectly clear) that the firing rate is "per 8-cell VLS".! If each 8-cell VLS can fire a missile every15-seconds then I expect that the controlling computer systems can keep up, especially with a mere 6x pods (of 8x VLS cells each), which FYI, is an average of one launch every 2.5 seconds if each "pod" launches every 15-seconds and the launches are staggered equally, at which point this ship will be out of VLS ammo in 2-minutes flat.!!! If these were all fired at a rate of 1.5s per launch, PER POD, they would launch 48 missiles in just 12-seconds.!!! At that rate of fire I would be seriously concerned about two missiles colliding upon launch, the debris of which could cause total catastrophic destruction of the ship, so a sensible line has to be drawn for self-safety (the most important kind), but I expect they could speed this up a little, which across 6x cells would be a big increase.

[@Vagelisc1]

Greece is going to buy a 4th vessel till the end of the year.Scalp naval missiles going to be fitted to second,third and fourth vessels.That means A70 launchers.Only the first ship aka KIMON is fitted with 4xA50

[@AlshainFR]

No idea were you got the two kinds of torpedo information, but the French navy uses the MU-90 as its one and only torpedo. We haven't had US torps for more than a decade

[@christianfournier6862]

@@AlshainFR = There is a "heavy torpedo" (dia. 533 mm), named "F-21” and manufactured by a consortium led by Naval Group, which equips the new French nuclear subs; but it is true that surface ships of the Marine Nationale are equipped with the MU-90 "light torpedo”.

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

29:26 It is! It's based on a light helicopter "Cabri G2" by Guimbal (French). For VSR700, missions are detailed on Airbus website, indeed it should be able to deploy sonobuoy for ASW, to use radar and EO for ASuW or even to drip life raft for SAR.

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

23:21 I think the missile can intercept targets manoeuvring at 15G, because with control surfaces, thrust vectoring and PIF-PAF translation system the missile can pull more than 15G. Both Aster 15 & Aster 30 have a booster, but it’s a bigger one on Aster 30.

[@lordtemplar9274]

FYI - PIF PAF can handle up to 30G maneuvres

[@AdurianJ]

SYLVER is supposed to have a really high fire rate. I think its 15 seconds for all 16 missiles

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

27:56 French NH-90 uses Thales FLASH dipping sonar (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters). 500 sonars in service worldwide, including US Navy MH-60R or Royal Navy EH-101 Merlin. L3 HELRAS is used by Italian helicopters.

[@zoperxplex]

An impressive array of firepower for such a small platform.

[@mastathrash5609]

Instead of the LCS, and gutted Zumwalt, I think this is a concept and design that we should look at. Imo.

[@noir2559]

they as well create variants for frigates such as Light Frigates and Heavy Frigates class.

[@Ruka-f7k]

@@zoperxplex Makes you wonder why the german navy is planning those huge 10,000 tons frigates

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

7:27 No, at least in France, NH90 MRH “Caiman” also launches MU90. Atlantique 2 MPA also uses MU90.

[@pegzounet]

29:30 because it is. It's a dronized cabri from the guimbal company.

[@spacedmanspiff1543]

Ya beat me to it.....well spotted !

[@Frencho9]

French FDI are fitted for but not with 2 extra SYLVER A50 cells, so 16 more VLS tubes can be retrofitted later on. This is plug and play they were not fitted with 4 SYLVER A50 from the start due to budget constraints, sonif the money is there first time they go tonthe dry dock we could double the missile launchers. For example, Greek variants will come fully loaded with 4xA50 for 32 missiles total because they did not go stingy on what is going to be their flagship class. For France FDI is lower on the totem pole compared to horizon and freem frigates.

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

Great breakdowns. Tech aspect is the 16V is cylinder configuration, not valves, aka 16 cylinder in a V configuration. I am less sure how accurate the drive system is. I am seeing Geared CODAG which would be 4 diesels into two gear systems (one set for each shaft) and Gen systems with smaller 2000 or 4000 series MTU (one emergency almost for sure)

[@beardo52]

Just curious, but why the small bore Gun on the Bow? 76mm seems a bit light for the purpose, is it due to efficiency, and functional requirements for munitions supply, and delivery during an engagement, or just a Treaty agreement sort of thing ?

[@brunol-p_g8800]

76mm is more than enough as showed by the French navy in the Red Sea and has a much faster firing rate than a bigger bore.

[@jonny-b4954]

Doesn't have enough weapons, in my view. One salvo of anti-ship missiles, basically. Two, maybe. Can the Narwhal's do AA duty? Or is it just a close in auto-cannon? I do like the double, twin torpedo tubes.

[@huiarama]

Great video. Awesome!! - If I may ask, are you going to be looking at the Dutch and Belgium Navies ASW Frigate??? - The reason I am asking is, the Dutch Navy is presently going through a major procurement and restructure. The soon to be built ASW Frigate seems to be a cente piece....

[@FélixGARCIA79400]

ASTER-30 missile can intercept ballistic missile with less than 1500km range, in my memory. We showed it in the red sea.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

5:05 It's pronounced like lorry-Anne - the stress is on Anne. The combination "en" in French is always pronounced like Anne. Not exactly, but it will get the message across. Lorient is of course famous from the U-boat base there in WWII.

[@buckstarchaser2376]

19:16 Are you sure the "15 seconds" isn't related to Cyclic vs Sustained rates of fire?

[@mathieuraymond9356]

you should look up to the narwal and rapid fire gun by nexter and knds, it has multiple munitions wich are selected by IA to feat the target so drones, unmanned ships or whatever, all in the auto loader.

[@sambarbosa832]

We need a video on the Hobart class destroyers Royal Australian Navy

[@etanneriii]

great stuff as usual.

[@DeltaV64]

The gun seems like it was mounted so low. Any reason why this is better versus just mounting it above the center deck where it would have so much better visibility into everything ? Maybe the exhaust pipes could be set up lateral so that it does not interfere ?

[@Redsson56]

The Narwhal 20B Looks to have a very long barrel. I’m inclined to interpret 20mm, 90 caliber as 20mm diameter shell with the barrel 90 times that diameter. That old make the shell a bit over 3/4” and the barrel length about 70”. This would likely result in a very high muzzle velocity.

[@billm3210]

The Hellenic Navy is going for 4 now and the 1st has been built already. It left yard for finishing systems. The systems weapons may be upgraded for both Navies on later built ships.

[@5anjuro]

We could use some to replace the Halifax class in the Canada. Might want to add the USV launching capabilities.

[@tsifty1]

All 3 Greek frigates are under construction. I believe 2 will be delivered in 2025. And word is that they have take the option on another unit making a total of 4.

[@ΝΙΚΟΣΒΟΓΙΑΤΖΑΚΗΣ]

They build 3 . Searam will be added for the greek frigates plus otomelara and scalp naval.

[@billalumni9142]

That bow, just looks so retro.

[@benlinus4772]

First of all, Greece CAN AFFORD it and proceed to the procurement of the 4th Frigate (the option of initiative agreement) with a modification in launchers with 1 A70 for Scalp Naval and 3 A50 for Aster 15/30 (the previous configuration was 4 A50 for Aster 15/30).

[@kwgm8578]

I'm happy to finally see the interop the US and its NATO partners in sourcing and second sourcing electronics, as well as confirmation with specifications. We have needed the OEM ability in this period of primary contractor monopoly for years. The US could use this frigate. By the way, if you want mph from m/s, multiply by 2.2. (Conversion factor is 2.27, so error increases with larger value of meters, but works well enough in normal ranges.)

[@QuicksortX64]

Quote: "The primary application of the launcher has been the Aster. The Sylver, together with the Aster, is the primary component of the PAAMS naval anti-air warfare system. Using PAAMS, up to eight missiles can be launched in 10 seconds."(Wikipedia)

[@fortusvictus8297]

The lack of point defense is interesting for what is presumably a littoral ship. Small craft/drones are the threat of the now and future.

[@fortusvictus8297]

@@resipsaloquitur13 Welcome to 2024, let me tell you about a little thing called AI...

[@jackdbur]

Yes its SHRAD is weak a 57mm and some 30mm are probably better fitted for the latest threats ! The 76mm fires too big a round too slowly & 20mm are not big enough for sensor fused rounds!

[@tonyhawk94]

From what i read, the French naval chief of staff ran experiments earlier this year to determine the most effective (and cost effective) drone deterrent, but the result are not public yet.

[@Frencho9]

This is a long range blue water frigate not a littoral ship. 5000-6000nm miles (there is a Jumbo variant designed for export market). In contrast arleight burkes with their thirsty turbines have 4400nm range and no one calls the littoral ships. The compact FDI outranges a massive DDG!

[@lordtemplar9274]

@@jackdbur FYI 76mm does airburst and fires 120 rounds per minute, not to mention it can shoot at much greater distance than 57 or 30mm. that is a ridiculous wall of shrapnel that will tear any incoming flying objects. In reality you would not need to fire more than several rounds to obliterate any drone or cruise missile. This has been proven over the last year in the Red Sea by french frigates using these same systems. FYI the Narwhal 20mm guns are intended for small surface threats and will slice through them like butter. Not to mention that the latest version of Narwhal 20mm also has 2 Akeron missiles that can sink small ships at several km distance. Furthermore the ship also has other soft kill countermeasures like decoys, flares, etc...and electronic warfare capabilities to jam/spoof incoming threats. Lastly France has been developping and testing laser defense on its Horizon class frigates, and it is planned to add these systems in the coming years to its frigates. All in all France has chosen its equipment on what threats it is likely to face and this is probably more than enough vs any potential enemy navy or threat it could encounter, excluding Russia or China since France would not be facing those countries alone

[@phantomforester9337]

20 mm is .79 inch--the "90 caliber" refers to the length of the barrel after the chamber in calibers--it is 90 calibers, or 90 X 20 mm long.

[@jjhead431]

The 8'/55 mk16 are probably the greatest naval guns ever made.

[@Condor1970]

The fact that the US is building an old style hull from an Italian company, without advancing the Zumwalt design forward to build a proper nuclear cruiser replacement for Ticonderoga's, and a smaller inverted bow design for the frigate, is just shameful.

[@jeromeportier4914]

The "old style hull from an Italian company" is a French-Italian design, where the French side comes from Naval Group, the same company building the FDI. So either they've learned something critical in the 10 or 15 years between the 2 designs, or it's just that the inverted bow suits smaller ships better?

[@lordtemplar9274]

at over $3 billion for a Zumwalt, the US Navy made the good choice to have 3 Constelltion class frigate for that price. Furthermore the Zumwalt class could only carry 20 mk57 VLS for Tomahawks, SM6 or Asroc (or 80 ESSM quad packed). meanwhile the 2 main guns were useless since the cost per round is $800k a pop, which means you may as well fire missiles for that price with added range, accuracy and firepower. In short 3 Constellation will give you more firepower and cover a larger area than a Zumwalt ever could. Plus the added benefit of having 2 ships left to fight if one gets put out of commission during a fight. my 2 cents

[@Klaevin]

please, please, say "Thales" like the ancient greek mathematician. "Thay-Lees" Otherwise, great video! I used to work for Naval Group, but as an apprentice, designing their upcoming ICBM submarine. The Frigates were already well on their wary, and there was little design work to be done.

[@generaldzaster2022]

How effective will it be against drones both sea and air?

[@jjhead431]

We had turbo-electric drive on the 20's. Held back by the Washington Naval Treaty as it was very heavy.

[@nikolaskoumoundouros9158]

The 15 seconds firing rate for the Sylver is wrong, it can launch all 8 missiles in a bit under 10 seconds, so it's actually a tad under 1.4 seconds between missiles. That's possible mainly unlike the Mk41 each cell has its own exhaust. Its big drawback is it's not capable of launching multiple small missiles per cell except mayyyybe the CAMM and that at some point in the future. Also the greek ships will have double the A-50 cells (32) and add a RAM launcher for CIWS

[@jesusdiaz3776]

CODAD propulsión means there are 2 diesel engines connected to a combining gear. FDI has not integrated electric propultion. 2x (2 diesel, 1 combining gear, 1shaft, 1 prop). It has smaller diesel gen sets for power supply. Great video. I was wondering this for (in my opinion) the best multirole heavy corvette/light frigate. I consider this the 21st century Charles F Adams. A great very small air defense escort whith that SEA FIRE fixed AESA radars, and ASTER 30 medium/long range missiles.

[@Sommyie]

That announcement at the end was for last year, no?

[@brunol-p_g8800]

Yes, this video was published more than a year ago for subscribers.

[@jsjs627]

The HN Kimon class (there will be at least 4) is more heavily armed.

[@christopherhanton6611]

also the greek frigates will have RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile on them

[@RobertLewis-el9ub]

The bow looks different in the launch photo?

[@tomriley5790]

76mm gun isn't that big (3"). Nice frigate. Certainly the way they're building them is by far the most sensible and much better than at least 2 other countries I can think of. I would imagine that the ASTER B1NT would fit in the Slyver launcher for Aster 30 - but I may be wrong. The source I've found says that the Slyver a50 can fire 6 missiles per second again I may be wrong. Like most recent designs I have some concern about the size of the VLS - running out of missiles if attacked more than once seems a real possibility then all the fancy electronics is going to end on the seabed.

[@ulf5738]

Norway is left with 4 competitors in the future Frigate program. France is the only one who has a program on track. The Type-26 and Constellation programs are messy and we need something advanced and not messy 😂 The German F127 option is too far away. We also struggle with recruiting and educating mariners so the French option seems really interesting because it’s only 125 crew members necessary. They might be cheap enough so we can afford to build 1 more than the 5 minimum we need. The Greek variant suits us best.

[@DunkOver]

What about their CMS? SETIS maybe?

[@soonerfrac4611]

I know that Habitatual Line Crosser has discussed that now with the any shooter any spotter they have taken AEGIS systems and hit targets with Patriot. But I’m very sure he’s also said now our allies that Don have the Aegis system can still spot the targets or shoot from our platforms.

[@KRS-ro6oi]

One of the favourite to become Norways next frigate.

[@asicdathens]

I believe that one of the Greek ones will try in test to provide fire control solution to a MIM-104 PAC-3

[@_R-R]

Could this have been an FFG(X) contender?

[@NerdishNature]

Between this and the Meko class, frigates is where it is these days 😮

[@rydplrs71]

A 76mm/3 in is a big gun? I might be mistaken but 100 years ago wwI subs had a 100mm/4in deck gun?

[@jgw9990]

100 years ago those guns were single shot reload. The 76mm is a machine gun essentially. A 5.56 SAW LMG has more firepower than a larger calibre musket.