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((Short description|French general purpose stealth frigates))
((More footnotes|date=September 2010))

{|((Infobox ship begin))
((Infobox ship image
|Ship image=FS Surcouf.jpg
|Ship caption=The French frigate ((ship|French frigate|Surcouf|F711|2))
))
((Infobox ship class overview
|Name=''La Fayette'' class
|Designer=[[Naval Group|DCNS]]
|Builders=DNCS
|Operators=*((navy|France))
* ((navy|Saudi Arabia))
* ((navy|Republic of China))
* ((navy|Singapore))
|Class before=((sclass|Floréal|frigate|4))
|Class after = ''[[Frégates de taille intermédiaire]]'' (starting in 2024)
|Subclasses=*''Al Riyadh'' class (Saudi Arabia)
* ((sclass|Formidable|frigate|4)) (Singapore)
* ''Kang Ding'' class (ROC Taiwan)
|Cost=
|Built range=
|In service range=
|In commission range=1996–present
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed=20
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=20
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=
|Total ships retired=
|Total ships preserved=
))
((Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Ship type=General purpose [[frigate]]
|Ship displacement=* ((cvt|3,200|t|LT|lk=on))
* ((cvt|3,800|t|LT)) fully loaded
|Ship length=((convert|125|m|ftin|abbr=on))
|Ship beam=((convert|15.4|m|ftin|abbr=on))
|Ship height=
|Ship draught=((convert|4.1|m|ftin|abbr=on))
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=4 diesel [[SEMT Pielstick]] 12PA6V280 STC2, ((convert|21000|hp|kW|abbr=on))
|Ship speed=((convert|25|kn|lk=in|abbr=on))
|Ship range=*((convert|4000|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on)) at ((convert|15|kn))
* ((convert|9000|nmi|abbr=on)) at ((convert|12|kn))
|Ship endurance=50 days of food
|Ship boats=2 × ETN boats
|Ship capacity=((cvt|350|t|ST)) of fuel, ((cvt|80|m3)) of kerosene, ((cvt|60|t|ST)) of potable water
|Ship complement=164+;<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lafayette/ |title=La Fayette Class Frigate|date=3 May 2001|website=Naval Technology))</ref> around 6 additional personnel on ''Courbet'', ''La Fayette'' and ''Aconit'' post-upgrade<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/02/french-mission-jeanne-darc-2023-to-sail-across-indo-pacific/ |title=French Mission Jeanne D'Arc 2023 To Sail Across Indo-Pacific |date=3 February 2023|website=Naval News |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier))</ref>
|Ship sensors=*1 × DRBN34 navigation radar
* 1 × DRBN34 landing radar
* 1 × Air/Surface DRBV 15C sentry radar
* 1 × Thales TAVITAC combat management system (fitted to ''Surcouf'' and ''Guépratte'')
*1 × SENIT FLF combat management system (replaced previous Thales TAVITAC CMS on ''La Fayette'', ''Courbet'' and ''Aconit'')<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 | date=18 October 2021 ))</ref>
* 1 × firing control radar for the 100 mm gun
* 1 × CN2 firing control radar
* 1 × Saïgon ARBG 1 radio interceptor
* 1 × ARBR 21 radar interceptor
* 2 × Dagaie Mk2 AMGL-1C [[Chaff (countermeasure)|chaff]] launcher
* CANTO anti-torpedo countermeasures (fitted to ''La Fayette'' in 2021-22 and ''Aconit'' in 2023; to be fitted to ''Courbet'' in due course)<ref name="navalnews.com">((cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/video-french-navys-la-fayette-class-frigate-mid-life-update/ |title=Video: French Navy's La Fayette-Class Frigate Mid-Life Update |work=Naval News |last=Manaranche |first=Martin |date=31 July 2021 |access-date=31 August 2021 ))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/07/naval-group-ready-to-produce-canto-anti-torpedo-system-in-australia/ |title=Naval Group Ready To Produce CANTO Anti-Torpedo System In Australia |work=Naval News |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=18 July 2019 |access-date=31 August 2021 ))</ref>
* 1 × AN/[[SLQ-25 Nixie]] tugged noise maker
* 1 × [[Prairie-Masker]] noise reduction system
* 1 × Integrated Shipboard Communication System ISCS ([[SNTI]] 120 ch.)
* 1 × SEAO/OPSMER Naval command support system
* 1 × Syracuse II satellite transmission system
* 1 × Inmarsat navigation system
* 1 × BlueWatcher sonar (''Surcouf'' only)<ref name=nnysmal>((cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/euronaval-2020/2020/10/euronaval-naval-group-starts-upgrade-work-on-la-fayette-class-frigates/ |title=Euronaval: Naval Group Starts Upgrade Work On La Fayette-Class Frigates |last=Smaldore |first=Yannick |work=navalnews.com |date=23 October 2020 |access-date=7 December 2020))</ref>
* 1 × KingKlip Mk 2 hull-mounted sonar (fitted to ''Courbet'', ''La Fayette'' and ''Aconit'')
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=
* ''Guns;''
* 1 × [[French 100 mm naval gun|100&nbsp;mm TR automatic gun]]
* 2 × [[20 mm modèle F2 gun]]s
* ''Anti-ship;''
* 8 × [[Exocet]] MM40 block II [[anti-ship missile]]s (upgraded to capacity for Block 3c variant on ''Courbet'', ''La Fayette'' and ''Aconit'')<ref name=flf>((cite web |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/premiere-flf-renovee-la-fregate-courbet-remise-leau |title=Première FLF rénovée, la frégate Courbet remise à l'eau |work=Mer et Marine |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |date=15 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |language=French |url-access=subscription))</ref>
* ''CIWS;''
* 1 × [[Crotale CN2]] [[CIWS]] (fitted on ''Surcouf'' and ''Guépratte'')
* 2 × 6 Sadral launchers with [[Mistral (missile)#SADRAL/Mistral Mk3|Mistral Mk 3 SAM/SSM]] (replaced Crotale on ''Courbet'', ''La Fayette'' and ''Aconit'')
* 2 x 2 manually operated Simbad/Mistral (reported fit to ''Surcouf'' in 2023)<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/la-fregate-surcouf-anonymisee-et-equipee-de-systemes-simbad |title=La frégate Surcouf anonymisée et équipée de systèmes Simbad |date=15 May 2023 |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |website=Mer et Marine))</ref>
|Ship armour=On sensitive areas (munition magazine and control centre)
|Ship aircraft=1 × helicopter ([[Eurocopter Panther|Panther]] or [[NH90]])
|Ship aircraft facilities=
|Ship notes=
))
|}

The '''''La Fayette'' class''' (also known as '''FL-3000''' for "''Frégate Légère de 3,000 tonnes''", or '''FLF''' for ''Frégate Légère Furtive'') is a [[Ship class|class]] of general purpose [[frigate]]s built by [[DCNS (company)|DCNS]] in the 1980s/90s and still operated by the [[French Navy]] today. Derivatives of the type are in service in the navies of [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Singapore]], and [[Taiwan]].

The ships were originally known as "stealth frigates" due to their unique [[Stealth ship|stealth]] design at the time. Their reduced [[radar cross section]] is achieved by a clean [[superstructure]] compared to conventional designs, angled sides and [[radar absorbent material]], a composite material of wood and glass fibre as hard as steel, light, and resistant to fire. Most modern combat ships built since the introduction of the ''La Fayette'' class have followed the same principles of stealth.

All information gathered by the onboard sensors is managed by the Information Processing System, the electronic brain of the operation centre of the ship. It is completed by an electronic command aid system.

The ships are designed to accommodate a ((convert|10|t|LT|adj=on|lk=on)) helicopter in the [[Eurocopter AS565 Panther|Panther]] or [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] range (though they are also capable of operating the [[Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon|Super Frelon]] and similar heavy helicopters). These helicopters can carry [[anti-ship missile]]s AM39 or AS15, and they can be launched during [[sea state]] five or six due to the Samahé helicopter handling system. France ordered five ships of the ''La Fayette'' class in 1988, the last of which entered service in 2001. In the French Navy, they will be incrementally superseded in "first-rank" functions by five ''[[frégates de taille intermédiaire]]'' (''FTI'', "intermediate size frigates") from 2024.<ref name=navyrecognitionMarch2021>((cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/march/9901-france-accelerates-the-fdi-frigates-program.html |title=France accelerates the FDI frigates program |work=navyrecognition.com |access-date=26 April 2021 ))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/may-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/2747-update-to-french-military-planning-law-means-new-capabilities-for-lafayette-class-frigates.html |title=Update to French Military Planning Law Means New Capabilities for Lafayette Class Frigates |website=navyrecognition.com |date=21 May 2015 |access-date=30 October 2015))</ref><ref name=memFeb2021>((cite web |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/marine-nationale-les-programmes-qui-vont-faconner-la-future-flotte-francaise |title=Marine nationale : les programmes qui vont façonner la future flotte française |work=Mer et Marine |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |language=French |date=1 February 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 ))</ref>

==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|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)), 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 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]], which has been reduced by 60 percent: a 3,000-tonne ''La Fayette'' unit has the typical radar signature of a 1,200-tonne ship.((citation needed|date=October 2017)) 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, 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 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))<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
|}

==Export==

===''Al Riyadh'' class: Saudi Arabia===
[[File:Frigate Al Makkah.jpg|thumb|left|Saudi Arabian ship ''Makkah'' (814)]]
The three ''Al Riyadh''-class ships are an expanded anti-air version of the French ''La Fayette'' class, displacing about ((convert|4,700|t|LT)) and extended to ((convert|133|m|ftin|abbr=on)) in length.<ref name=ntar>((cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/al_riyadh |title=Al Riyadh (F3000S Sawari II) Class, Saudi Arabia |website=naval-technology.com |access-date=30 October 2015))</ref>

The ships' combat systems are produced by Armaris (a DCN/[[Thales Group|Thales]] joint venture) and are armed with the [[Aster 15]] missile. The Aster missiles use the DCN [[SYLVER launcher]]. As with the ''La Fayette'' class the primary offensive weapon is the anti-surface [[Exocet]] missile. The ships' main gun is the [[Oto Melara]] 76&nbsp;mm/62 Super Rapid gun replacing the 100&nbsp;mm TR automatic gun. There are also four ((convert|533|mm|in|abbr=on)) aft [[torpedo tube]]s. The ship is armed with the DCNS [[F17 torpedo|F17]] heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo.

The ships are capable of a maximum speed of ((convert|24.5|kn)) with a maximum range of ((convert|7,000|nmi)).<ref name=ntar/>

{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
|colspan=7 align=center|'''''Al Riyadh'' class'''
|-
! Number
! Ship
! Builder
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|812
|((ship|Saudi frigate|Al Riyadh||2))
|rowspan=3|DCN Lorient
|
|
|26 July 2002
|In active service
|-
|814
|((ship|Saudi frigate|Makkah||2))
|
|
|23 April 2004
|In active service
|-
|816
|((ship|Saudi frigate|Al Dammam||2))
|
|
|23 October 2004
|In active service
|}

===''Formidable'' class: Singapore===
[[File:RSS Formidable (68) and INS Brahmaputra (F 31).jpg|thumb|RSS ''Formidable'']]
[[File:Aconit compared to Intrepid.jpg|thumb|right|The frigates ''Aconit'' and RSS ''Intrepid'' side by side, illustrating the differences in their superstructures]]
The [[Republic of Singapore Navy]]'s six ((sclass|Formidable|frigate|1))s are of comparable size to the ''La Fayette'' class but differs from that class and the Saudi ''Al Riyadh'' class in the armament carried: in place of the Exocet is the Boeing [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]]. The main gun is a stealth cupola equipped with an [[Oto Melara 76 mm]] gun replacing the 100&nbsp;mm TR automatic gun. The ''Formidable'' class also uses the SYLVER launcher/Aster missile combination.

The first ship, RSS ''Formidable'', was built by DCN, while the remaining ships were constructed by Singapore Technologies Marine.

Anti-submarine capability includes [[Sikorsky S-70#S-70|S-70B Seahawk]] helicopters.

Maximum speed is ((convert|27|kn|abbr=on)), making it the fastest variant. The ships have a maximum range of ((convert|4,200|nmi|abbr=on)).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+''Formidable'' class
|-
! Number
! Ship
! Builder
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|68
|''[[RSS Formidable|Formidable]]''
|[[DCNS (company)|DCNS]]
|2002
|7 January 2004
|5 May 2007
|In active service
|-
|69
|((RSS|Intrepid|69|2))
|rowspan=5|[[ST Engineering|ST Engineering (Marine)]]
|
|3 July 2004
|5 February 2008
|In active service
|-
|70
|''[[RSS Steadfast|Steadfast]]''
|
|15 July 2005
|5 February 2008
|In active service
|-
|71
|''[[RSS Tenacious|Tenacious]]''
|
|15 July 2005
|5 February 2008
|In active service
|-
|72
|((RSS|Stalwart|72|2))
|
|9 December 2005
|16 January 2009
|In active service
|-
|73
|''[[RSS Supreme|Supreme]]''
|
|9 May 2006
|16 January 2009
|In active service
|}

===''Kang Ding'' class: ROC (Taiwan)===
((main article|Kang Ding-class frigate))
[[File:Wu Chang Shipped in No.9 Pier of Zhongzheng Naval Base 20130504b.jpg|thumb|The Taiwanese frigate ''Wu Chang'' in 2013]]
[[File:Phalanx CIWS and Bofors 40mm L70 Gun aboard on ROCN Di Hua (PFG-1206) 20151024.jpg|thumb|Phalanx CIWS and Bofors 40 mm L70 gun aboard ROCN ''Di Hua'']]
As the ROC (Taiwan)'s defensive stance is aimed towards the [[Taiwan Strait]], the ROC Navy is constantly seeking to upgrade its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The US$1.75&nbsp;billion agreement with France in the early 1990s was an example of this procurement strategy:<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-11323386.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924053141/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-11323386.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=France authorizes frigate sale to Taiwan|work=Defense Daily|date=2 October 1991))</ref> the six ships are configured for both ASW and surface attack. The Exocet was replaced by Taiwan-developed [[Hsiung Feng II]] anti-ship missile and the AAW weapon is the [[Sea Chaparral]]. The main gun is an Oto Melara 76&nbsp;mm/62 mk 75 gun, similar to its Singaporean counterparts, the ''Formidable''-class frigates. Some problems in the integration of Taiwanese and French systems had been reported. The frigate carries a single Sikorsky S-70C(M)-1/2 ASW helicopter.

The Sea Chaparral SAM system is considered inadequate for defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles, so the ROC (Taiwan) Navy plans to upgrade its air-defense capabilities with the indigenous [[Sky Sword II]] in 2020.<ref>((cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201311040031.aspx |title=La Fayette frigates' missile upgrade set for 2017 |work=Focus Taiwan |date=4 November 2013 |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-access=subscription))</ref> The ESSM-class missiles will be quad-packed in a [[vertical launch system]] for future ROCN surface combatants,<ref>((cite web |last1=Lundquist |first1=Edward H. |title=Interview with Adm. Richard Chen, Republic of China Navy (Ret.) |url=https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/interview-with-adm-richard-chen-republic-of-china-navy-ret/ |website=Defense Media Network |access-date=2 August 2019))</ref> but a less-risky alternative arrangement of above-deck, fixed oblique launchers is seen as more likely for upgrading these French-built frigates.

In 2021 it was reported that the Republic of China would upgrade the ''Kang Ding'' class. It was reported that the [[MIM-72 Chaparral]] surface-to-air missile defence system will be replaced by the indigenous Sky Sword II. It was also reported that the upgrade of the battle system will also be involved.<ref>((cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/02/taiwan-to-upgrade-its-la-fayette-frigates-with-new-air-defense-combat-systems/ |title=Taiwan To Upgrade Its La Fayette Frigates With New Air Defense & Combat Systems |work=navalnews.com |first=Tso-Juei |last=Hsu |date=22 February 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 ))</ref>

The class's maximum speed is ((convert|25|kn)) with a maximum range of ((convert|4,000|nmi|abbr=on)).

The class's Mk 75 main guns have been upgraded and have an improved firing rate of 100 rounds a minute.<ref>((cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Kelvin |title=Taiwan Navy showcases upgraded cannons in live-fire drills |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4211232 |website=www.taiwannews.com.tw |date=27 May 2021 |publisher=Taiwan News |access-date=28 May 2021))</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+''Kang Ding'' class
|-
! Number
! Ship
! Builder
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|1202
| ((ship|ROCS|Kang Ding||2)) (康定)
|rowspan=6|[[DCNS (company)|DCNS]]
|1993
|22 March 1994
|24 May 1996
|In active service
|-
|1203
|((ship|ROCS|Si Ning||2)) (西寧)
|1994
|5 November 1994
|5 October 1996
|In active service
|-
|1205
| ((ship|ROCS|Kun Ming||2)) (昆明)
|1994
|13 May 1995
|26 February 1997
|In active service
|-
|1206
| ((ship|ROCS|Di Hua||2)) (迪化)
|1995
|27 November 1995
|14 August 1997
|In active service
|-
|1207
| ((ship|ROCS|Wu Chang||2)) (武昌)
|1995
|27 November 1995
|16 December 1997
|In active service
|-
|1208
| ((ship|ROCS|Chen De||2)) (承德)
|1995
|2 August 1996
|19 March 1998
|In active service
|}

====Taiwan frigate scandal====
((Main|Taiwan frigate scandal))
The Taiwan frigate deal was a huge political scandal, both in Taiwan and France.<ref>((cite news |last1=Trueheart |first1=Charles |title=France Embroiled in Scandal du Jour |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1998/03/13/france-embroiled-in-scandal-du-jour/7e2da294-6508-429b-a828-60224afce1ce/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=13 March 1998))</ref> Eight people involved in the contract died in unusual and possibly suspicious circumstances.<ref>((cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3244148.stm |title=Book delves into frigate scandal |work=BBC News |last=Schofield |first=Hugh |date=1 December 2003 |access-date=30 October 2015))</ref> Arms dealer Andrew Wang fled Taiwan to the UK after the body of presumptive whistleblower Captain Yin Ching-feng was found floating in the sea.<ref name="Taipei Times 2021" >((cite web |last1=Pan |first1=Jason |title=High Court orders return of illegal proceeds |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/07/15/2003760882 |website=www.taipeitimes.com |date=15 July 2021 |publisher=Taipei Times |access-date=15 July 2021))</ref> In 2001 Swiss authorities froze accounts held by Andrew Wang and his family in connection to the Taiwan frigate scandal.<ref name="BBC 2001" >((cite news |last1=Kirby |first1=Emma-Jane |title=Swiss target Taiwan arms dealer |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1417606.stm |website=news.bbc.co.uk |date=2 July 2001 |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 October 2021))</ref>

In 2003, the Taiwanese Navy sued Thomson-CSF (Thales) to recover alleged $590 million in [[Kickback (bribery)|kickbacks]], paid to French and Taiwanese officials to grease the 1991 ''La Fayette'' deal.<ref>((cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2003/11/07/2003074910 |title=Navy sues French frigate contractor |work=Taipei Times |date=7 November 2003 |access-date=30 October 2015))</ref> The kickback money was deposited in Swiss banks, and under the corruption investigation, Swiss authorities froze approx. $730 million in over 60 accounts. In June 2007 the Swiss authority returned $34 million from frozen accounts to Taiwan, with additional funds pending.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2007/06/15/2003365270 |title=Lafayette scandal funds returned to Taiwan |work=Taipei Times |date=15 June 2007 |access-date=30 October 2015))</ref>

Andrew Wang died in the UK in 2015 and collection efforts continued against his family.<ref name="Taipei Times 2021" /> In February 2021, the [[Federal Department of Justice and Police]] said that Switzerland will restitute nearly US$266 million to Taiwan.<ref>((Cite web |title=Progress made on return of illegal kickbacks in Lafayette Frigate case |date=6 February 2021 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4121060|access-date=26 April 2021 |website=Taiwan News |agency=Central News Agency ))</ref>

== In popular culture ==
* The ''La Fayette'' class is featured in the 2014 video game ''[[Wargame: Red Dragon]]'' in which it is available to the "BLUFOR" side along with various U.S., [[Republic of Korea|Korean]], and Japanese warships.<ref>((cite web|author=JCDent|date=December 13, 2013|title=Wargame Gets DLC, Announces a Ship|url=http://old.pixeljudge.com/en/news/wargame-gets-dlc,-announces-a-ship/|access-date=January 20, 2017|publisher=PixelJudge))</ref>

==See also==
* ((sclass|Baden-Württemberg|frigate|1))
* [[Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate|F100-class frigate]]
* [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]]
* ((sclass|Fridtjof Nansen|frigate|1))
* ((sclass|Iver Huitfeldt|frigate|1))
* [[Type 054 frigate]]
* [[List of naval ship classes in service]]

==References==
((reflist))

==Bibliography==
* ((cite book |last1=Jordan |first1=John|last2=Moulin|first2=Jean |editor1-last=Jordan |editor1-first=John |title=Warship 2021 |date=2021 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |location=Oxford, UK |isbn=978-1-4728-4779-9 |chapter=The 'Stealth' Frigates of the ''La Fayette'' Class|pages=81–98))

==External links==
((Commons category|La Fayette class frigates))
* [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/dga/enjeux/les_programmes_d_armement/systemes_des_forces/la_maitrise_du_milieu_aero-maritime/fregate_lafayette/fregate__la_fayette Frégate ''La Fayette''] on the site of the [[Ministry of Defence (France)|Ministry of Defence]]  ((in lang|fr))
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041210102139/http://www.netmarine.net/bat/flf/lafayet/index.htm NetMarine.net]  ((in lang|fr))
* [http://www.alabordache.com/marine/espacemarine/marine/fregate_rang_2/index.php Alabordache.com] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220142953/http://www.alabordache.com/marine/espacemarine/marine/fregate_rang_2/index.php |date=20 February 2007 )) French Frigate ''La Fayette'' on Alabordache.com  ((in lang|fr))

((La Fayette class frigate))
((French Navy Vehicle))

((Use dmy dates|date=August 2019))

((DEFAULTSORT:La Fayette Class Frigate))
[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:La Fayette-class frigates| ]]
[[Category:Frigates of France| ]]
[[Category:Stealth ships]]
[[Category:Ship classes of the French Navy]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (edit)
French frigate Aconit (F713) (edit)
French frigate Aconit (F 713) (edit)
French frigate Courbet (edit)
French frigate Courbet (F712) (edit)
French frigate Guépratte (edit)
French frigate Guépratte (F714) (edit)
French frigate La Fayette (edit)
French frigate La Fayette (F710) (edit)
French frigate Surcouf (edit)
French frigate Surcouf (F711) (edit)
La Fayette-class frigate (edit)
ROCS Chen De (edit)
ROCS Di Hua (edit)
ROCS Kang Ding (edit)
ROCS Kun Ming (edit)
ROCS Si Ning (edit)
ROCS Wu Chang (edit)
RSS Formidable (edit)
RSS Intrepid (edit)
RSS Intrepid (69) (edit)
RSS Stalwart (edit)
RSS Stalwart (72) (edit)
RSS Steadfast (edit)
RSS Supreme (edit)
RSS Tenacious (edit)
Saudi frigate Al Dammam (edit)
Saudi frigate Al Riyadh (edit)
Saudi frigate Makkah (edit)
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