France plans its future fleet

Strategic developments and new buildings for the French naval fleet are described. The Franco-Italian Horizon anti-air warfare frigate programme is progressing with contacts awarded for detailed design, development and construction of four ships, the first due in service by end 2006. Two new 21,000 tonne displacement Nouveaux Transport de Chalands de Debarquement (NTCD) multi-purpose amphibious ships are also on order. Further ahead, new cruise missile-armed multi-mission frigates and nuclear attack submarines are planned. A new multi-mission version of the SYLVER vertical launcher systems it to be developed for multiple missile types. Crew reduction and future manning requirements are important issues. Cost reduction is also a major driver for the Barracuda SSN programme. Budget pressures suggest funding of a second aircraft carrier, the Port Avions 2 following the introduction of Charles de Gualle, is increasingly unlikely.