Naval Group Unveils New Cold-Launch System to Quadruple FDI Frigate Missile Capacity

France Enhances Naval Firepower with Innovative Missile System

French shipbuilder Naval Group is developing a new cold-launch vertical launch system (VLS) aimed at significantly boosting the missile capacity of its Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention (FDI) frigates. This innovative system is projected to increase the frigates' surface-to-air missile load by up to four times, moving from a baseline of 16 Aster missiles to a potential of 64 missiles, with overall anti-aircraft missile potential reaching up to 85 when short-range systems are included.

The development underscores France's commitment to enhancing its naval defense capabilities and maintaining strategic autonomy in missile technology. The new system is specifically designed to integrate CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile) and CAMM-ER missiles, bypassing the need for U.S.-made launchers such as the Lockheed Martin ExLS.

Cold-Launch Technology: A Strategic Advantage

The core of this advancement lies in its cold-launch mechanism. Unlike traditional hot-launch systems, where a missile's booster ignites within the launch cell, a cold-launch system ejects the missile from its tube before its propulsion ignites. This method offers several key advantages:

• Denser Packing: It allows for a simpler launcher design, enabling more missiles to be packed into the same space.
• Reduced Thermal Stress: By igniting outside the cell, it minimizes heat and smoke generation within the launcher, simplifying system requirements.
• Operational Flexibility: It supports a wider array of missile types, particularly those designed for cold ejection.

This approach is expected to become operational in the early 2030s, aligning with future frigate deliveries.

FDI Frigate: A Platform for Expansion

The FDI frigate, also known as the Amiral Ronarc'h class for the French Navy and Belharra for export, is a multi-mission warship designed with future upgrades in mind. Its forward deck layout includes three separate pits for VLS, with two square pits specifically allocated for future expansion.

Currently, the French Navy's baseline FDI configuration features 16 Aster 15/30 missiles housed in Sylver A50 launchers. However, the design allows for significant growth. The Hellenic Navy's FDI variants, known as the Kimon-class, are already being built with an expanded capacity of 32 Aster 30 B1 missiles. Furthermore, the final two French FDI frigates (the fourth and fifth in the series) will be constructed with 32 VLS cells from the outset, and the first three vessels are slated for retrofitting to achieve this enhanced capacity.

Broader Modular Launching Systems

In a related development, Naval Group is also advancing its Multi-purpose and Modular Launching System (MPLS). This flexible close-in weapon system (CIWS) is designed to accommodate a diverse range of munitions, including rockets, Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles, and loitering munitions, further increasing missile density and versatility on naval platforms. Land-based firing trials for the MPLS were successfully conducted in September 2024, with sea trials anticipated in 2026 and industrialization projected by 2027.

The first FDI frigate, Amiral Ronarc'h, was delivered to the French Navy in October 2025, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the French fleet.