La Fayette class frigate
The La Fayette class multi-mission frigates are built by DCN and operated by France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Taiwan.
The frigates are sometimes referred to as "stealth" frigates. Their reduced radar cross section is achieved by a very clean superstructure compared to conventional designs, angled sides and Radar Absorbent Material (RAM).
The ships are designed to accomodate a 10 tonne helicopter in the NH90 class.
Variants
La Fayette class: France
France ordered five ships of the La Fayette class in 1988, the last of which entered service in 2002.
The primary offensive weapon is the anti-surface MBDA Exocet, carried in two quad launchers. The surface to air missile is the Thales Crotale but the more capable MBDA Aster may be fitted in the future.
Maximum speed is 25 kts with a maximum range of 9,000 nm. The La Fayette ships have a standard displacement of 3,500 tonnes.
The lead ship, La Fayette (F710) was featured in the 17th James Bond film GoldenEye in 1995.
Al Riyadh class: Saudi Arabia
The three Al Riyadh ships are an expanded version of the French La Fayette class, displacing about 4,700 tonnes.
The ships combat systems are produced by Armaris (a DCN/Thales joint venture) and are armed with the MBDA 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 MBDA Exocet.
Maximum speed is 24.5 kts with a maximum range of 7,000 nm.
Formidable class: Singapore
Singapore's six Formidable class frigates are of a 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. The Formidable class also uses the SYLVER launcher/Aster missile combination.
The first ship, Formidable, was built by DCN, with the remaining ships constructed by Singapore Technology Marine.
Maximum speed is 27 kts with a maximum range of 7,200 nm.
Kang Ding class: Taiwan
As Taiwan's defensive stance is aimed towards the Taiwan strait the Taiwanese Navy is constantly seeking to upgrade its anti-submarine warfare capabilites. The agreement with France in the late 1980s is an example of this procurement strategy, the six ships are configured for both ASW and surface attack. The Exocet is replaced by a Taiwanese surface attack missile and the AAW weapon is the Chaparral.
The Taiwan frigate deal has produced a large political scandal, both in Taiwan and France. A former French foreign minister has claimed that up to $500,000 was paid by Thomson-CSF (now Thales), the prime contractor, as a "sweetener" as the ships did not strictly meet Taiwan's requirements. Eight deaths of people involved in the contract have also been as suspicous. Six ROC naval officers have been indicted on corruption charges relating to the affair.
Maximum speed is 25 kts with a maximum range of 7,000 nm.
