Editing La Fayette-class frigate (section)

==French version==

=== Background ===
{{More citations needed|date=March 2011}}
In the late 1980s, the [[French Navy]] (''Marine Nationale'') started the studies for [[frigate]]s adapted to low-intensity conflicts in the post–[[Cold War]] era. The ships were to serve in the large French [[exclusive economic zone]] (EEZ), be adapted to humanitarian operations or low-intensity operations in support of land troops, and replace the aging {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso}}s, which tended to prove too focused on naval operations and were ill-suited for joint operations.

Conventional warships used in low-intensity or humanitarian relief operations proved costly, with their heavy equipment and large crew. Hence came the requirement for lightly armed frigates with economical engines and small crew. In Italy, the same requirements led to the development of the {{sclass|Cassiopea|patrol vessel|5}} and {{sclass|Minerva|corvette|5}} type [[corvette]]s, built according to both civilian and military standards. These ships were limited to {{convert|1,300|t|LT ST|lk=on}} because the limited size and depth of the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and the proximity of the homeland. The French Navy, on the other hand, had to be present in overseas territories, bases and EEZ. To be enduring enough, the ships had to reach {{convert|3,000|t|LT ST}}, the size of a frigate. The larger displacement allows combining strong firepower (like the ''Minerva'' class) and a capacity for a medium helicopter (like the ''Cassiopea'' class), along with a good autonomy and seaworthiness.

The first type of ships built on these principles were the {{sclass|Floréal|frigate|1}}s, built on civilian standards, with a limited armament, and carrying a medium helicopter. These ships are high endurance units designed to be operated in overseas territories in the [[Caribbean Sea]], [[Polynesia]], and [[New Caledonia]] and the EEZ, where the likelihood of a naval threat is low. The speed is limited to {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} because of the low-power engines which emphasised autonomy and reliability. To fight [[Piracy|pirates]] in fast [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s, the ''Floréal''s rely on their onboard helicopter and marine detachment.

The niche for more hostile environments is covered by the ''La Fayette'' type, designed to operate in complex zones like the [[Indian Ocean]] or [[Djibouti]]. These ships were to be able to secure the EEZ, but also to operate in naval groups or intelligence gathering missions. The intended role for the ships was in fact very varied, because the experience of the C.70 class, with an intended 20 ships cut down to only nine (the seven {{sclass|Georges Leygues|frigate|1}}s and two {{sclass|Cassard|frigate|1}}s) had taught that project downsizing and reorganisation could lead to badly balanced naval capabilities. The new ships were to benefit from breakthroughs in [[Stealth technology|stealth]] ("''furtivité''") achieved by the DCN in the 1980s.

It took several years to refine the concept, and the first ship was eventually launched in 1992, two years after the final design was completed. Weapon system testing took place in 1994, and particularly extensive trials were undertaken to prove the structure of the ship under a wide range of conditions.{{cn|date=July 2022}} ''La Fayette'' was eventually [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] in March 1996.

===Stealth===
[[File:FS Courbet 6.jpg|thumb|left|The ''La Fayette'' type features very clean superstructures, as ''Courbet'' demonstrates]]
At the time of their commissioning, the units of the ''La Fayette'' class were the state of the art{{cn|date=August 2024}} in stealth for warships. The shape of the hull and the [[superstructure]]s is devised for the optimal reduction of the [[Radar cross-section|radar signature]].Stealth is achieved with inclined flanks, as few vertical lines as possible, and very clean lines and superstructures: stairs and mooring equipment are internal, and prominent structures are covered by clear surfaces. The superstructures are built using radar-absorbent synthetic materials.

Their radar cross-section is equivalent to that of a large fishing boat{{cn|date=August 2024}}, which can make camouflage among civilian ships possible; or that of a much less capable corvette, which could lead an enemy to underestimate the capabilities of the ship. In case of a direct attack, the small radar signature helps evade enemy missiles and fire control systems.{{cn|date=July 2022}} The ''La Fayette''s are also equipped with jammers that can generate false radar images, as well as decoy launchers.

Thanks to the adoption of low-power diesel motors and a special heat dissipation system, the ''La Fayette'' ships have a low thermal signature. The usual [[Funnel (ship)|funnel]] is replaced with a small sets of pipes, aft of the mast, which cool the exit gas before it is released. The ships usually operate in warm areas, which further decreases the thermal contrast with the environment.

The magnetic signature is reduced by the presence of a [[Degaussing|demagnetisation]] belt.{{cn|date=July 2022}}

The acoustic signature is minimized by mounting the engines on [[elastomeric]] supports, which minimize vibration transfers to the hull, and by rubber coatings on the propellers. The ''La Fayette''s are equipped with the Prairie Masker active acoustic camouflage system, which generates small bubbles from underneath the hull to confuse sonars.

===Construction===
[[File:FS Aconit 2.jpg|thumb|Superstructure of a ''La Fayette'' blends into the hull with only a slight change in inclination]]
[[File:Surcouf 1.jpg|thumb|Cable deck of ''Surcouf'', covered to reduce the radar signature; seamanship evolutions are completed through openings in the hull]]
The superstructure is made of light alloy and glass-reinforced plastic, which allow a reduction in top weight. This provides adequate but sub-optimal resistance to fire. Vital zones are armoured in [[Kevlar]], and important systems are redundant. The crew is protected against [[NBC|biological, chemical, and nuclear]] environments.

The ships were built with a [[Modular design|modular inner structure]] from eleven prefabricated modules which were completed at the factory, delivered to the shipyard and assembled there. This technique results in a construction time of less than two years.

The hull has a pronounced angle at the [[stem (ship)|stem]], with a short [[forecastle]] that integrates directly into the superstructure. The ship's sides have a negative inclination of ten degrees. The single anchor is located exactly on the stem, into which it is completely recessed. The deck where the seamanship equipment and capstans are installed is internal in order to hide it from radar.

The superstructure is built in one piece and directly integrates into the hull, with only a change in inclination. A platform is located between the main gun and the bridge. The superstructure runs continuously down to the helicopter hangar, on top of which short-range [[anti-aircraft]] [[Crotale missile]]s were initially installed (being replaced on three ships in the early 2020s with the SADRAL/Mistral system).

The ships feature two masts. The main mast has a pyramidal structure which integrates funnels and supports the antenna of the Syracuse military communications satellite system, while the second supports the main radar.

===Life extension upgrades===

Three of the French Navy frigates (''La Fayette'', ''Courbet'' and ''Aconit'') were selected to receive mid-life upgrades extending their useful service lives into the early 2030s. The three frigates are receiving KingKlip Mk2 hull-mounted sonar to incorporate an anti-submarine capability, modernized point air defence systems (consisting of two renovated SADRAL launchers, removed from the retired ''Georges Leygues'' class, and operating Mistral Mk3 SAMs/SSMs) as well as other improvements including the ability to carry the latest version of the Exocet anti-ship missile and ''CANTO'' anti-torpedo countermeasures (initially fitted first to ''La Fayette'' when she received her upgrade in 2021–22).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/euronaval-2022/2022/10/here-is-naval-groups-new-torpedo-decoy-launcher/ |title=Here Is Naval Group's New Torpedo Decoy Launcher |work=Naval News |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=17 October 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref><ref name="navalnews.com"/> The upgrades increase the displacement of the ships by some {{convert|80|t|LT ST}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/la-fregate-la-fayette-de-nouveau-operationnelle-apres-sa-renovation |title=La frégate La Fayette de nouveau opérationnelle après sa rénovation |work=Mer et Marine |language=fr |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |date=28 November 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref> and will permit the three ships to operate through the 2020s and be retired between 2031 and 2034.<ref name=nnysmal/><ref name=memFeb2021/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/09/french-navy-names-3-la-fayette-class-frigates-selected-for-mid-life-update/ |title=French Navy Names 3 La Fayette-Class Frigates Selected For Mid-Life Update |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |work=Naval News |date=5 September 2019 |access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref> The first vessel, ''Courbet'', began her conversion refit in October 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/october/9094-naval-group-starts-renovation-and-upgrade-of-french-navy-courbet-la-fayette-class-frigate.html |title=Naval Group starts renovation and upgrade of French Navy Courbet La Fayette-class frigate |work=navyrecognition.com |date=11 October 2020 |access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref> She returned to sea in June 2021.<ref name=flf/> In October 2021, ''La Fayette'' began her planned refit<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/10/first-upgraded-la-fayette-class-frigate/|title = First Upgraded la Fayette-class Frigate back into the French Fleet |work=Naval News |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=18 October 2021 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref> and in November 2022 was declared operational again upon its completion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presseagence.fr/lettre-economique-politique-paca/2022/11/24/toulon-mise-en-service-operationnel-de-la-fregate-la-fayette-renovee/ |title=Toulon : Mise en service opérationnel de la frégate La Fayette rénovée |work=Presse Agence |language=fr |date=24 November 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/renovee-la-fregate-la-fayette-reprend-la-mer | title=Rénovée, la frégate la Fayette reprend la mer |work=Mer et Marine |language=fr |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent | date=19 May 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref> In February 2023 ''Aconit'', the last of the frigates to be upgraded, began her life extension refit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/naval-group-debute-la-renovation-de-la-fregate-aconit |title=Naval Group débute la rénovation de la frégate Aconit
|work=Mer et Marine |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |date=10 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023}}</ref> She was relaunched in July and was expected to be fully operational again in 2024.

The other two vessels of the class (''Surcouf'' and ''Guépratte'') were scheduled to undergo more modest structural and technical upgrades (with the elderly Crotale SAM to be removed), and be withdrawn from service in 2027 and 2031 respectively.<ref name=memFeb2021/> With somewhat reduced general purpose capability, it had been anticipated that the two ships would be re-assigned to offshore patrol duties for the remainder of their service life.<ref name=meret20211021>{{Cite web|url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/renovation-des-la-fayette-la-premiere-livree-la-seconde-entre-en-chantier|title = Rénovation des la Fayette : La première frégate livrée, la seconde en chantier |work=Mer et Marine |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |language=fr |date=21 October 2021 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref> However, subsequently it was decided to retain both ships in the frigate role despite their not having received a mid-life upgrade.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/le-reclassement-de-certaines-la-fayette-en-patrouilleurs-n-est-plus-a-l-ordre-du-jour |title=Le reclassement de certaines La Fayette en patrouilleurs n’est plus à l’ordre du jour |work=Mer et Marine |language=fr |last=Groizealeau |first=Vincent |date=17 April 2024 |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

From 2024 the ''La Fayette''-class units will be incrementally complemented, and eventually replaced, in first rank functions in the French Navy by the FDI-class frigates.<ref name=navyrecognitionMarch2021/>

===Ships===
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
|colspan=7 align=center|'''''La Fayette'' class'''
|-
! Number
! Ship
! Builder
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|F 710
|{{ship|French frigate|La Fayette|F710|2}}
|rowspan=5|DCN Lorient
|
|13 June 1992
|22 March 1996
|In active service
|-
|F 711
|{{ship|French frigate|Surcouf|F711|2}}
|
|3 July 1993
|7 February 1997
|In active service
|-
|F 712
|{{ship|French frigate|Courbet|F712|2}}
|
|12 March 1994
|1 April 1997
|In active service
|-
|F 713
|{{ship|French frigate|Aconit|F713|2}}
|
|8 June 1997
|3 June 1999
|In active service
|-
|F 714
|{{ship|French frigate|Guépratte|F714|2}}
|
|3 March 1999
|27 October 2001
|In active service
|}