| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Patrouilleurs Hauturiers |
| Builders | |
| Operators |  French Navy |
| Preceded by | Flamant,D'Estienne d'Orves,P400 |
| Built | 2023-present |
| In commission | Projected from 2027[1] |
| Planned | 10 |
| Building | 1+ |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol boat |
| Displacement | 2,400 tons |
| Length | 92 m (302 ft) |
| Beam | 14.2 m (47 ft) |
| Draught | 3.6 m (12 ft) |
| Propulsion | diesel-electric drive |
| Speed | 21knots cruising |
| Range |
|
| Boats & landing craft carried | |
| Crew | Room for 84 |
| Sensors and processing systems |
|
| Armament |
|
| Aircraft carried | |
Patrouilleurs Hauturiers (English:Offshore Patrol Vessel), often shortened toPH, is a program to design and build 10 long-range patrol boats for theFrench Navy. Formerly known as thePatrouilleurs Océanique (PO) program, the ships will replace various aging patrol vessels in a wide variety of tasks off France. Development began in 2020 and construction will occur in two batches, with all ships expected to be in service by 2035.
Initially known as the Patrouilleurs Océanique (English: Ocean Patrol) program, commonly shortened to PO, the program was unveiled in 2020 with the goal to design and develop a 10-ship series of patrol vessels to replace the agingFlamant,D'Estienne d'Orves, andP400-class patrol vessels. The ships' roles would includemaritime patrol, protecting national waters, submarine escort, evacuation, surveillance, interception, protection of French interests, and other miscellaneous duties.[3][4] The program was announced during a major overhaul of the French Navy, which occurs every 30–40 years.[5]
Designed byNaval Group, the first 7 ships were ordered in 2023 fromPiriou Shipyard,Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie, andSocarenam. Construction of this batch began in 2024 and all 7 are estimated to be in delivered by 2030. The remaining 3 ships are planned to be ordered as part of a later budget and are planned to enter service by 2035.[4]
The new patrol ships will be significantly larger than their predecessors, allowing for an improved range of 6,000nautical miles at 21knots, or, 30 days at sea through thediesel-electric drive. The ships would displace 2,400 tons, be 92 m (302 ft) long, have a beam of 14.2 m (47 ft), and adraft of 3.6 m (12 ft). Fitted on the bow is a40CT, a 40 mm (1.6 in) multi-roleautocannon that will serve as the main weapon. Immediately behind the gun is apanoramic bridge fitted with two 12.7 mm (0.50 in)machine guns. On top of thesuperstructure is space for future instillation of aMistral anti-air missile, located near thelife rafts, and the ship's mast. The rest of the superstructure will include a 7 m (23 ft) longRHIB on the deck and one 9.3 metres (31 ft) long RHIB per side incorporated into the superstructure. Towards the aft is a hanger and helipad that can fit anAirbus H160Mhelicopter and aVSR700UAS, with a 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun on top of the hanger.[4]
The French Navy states that there would be room for a total of 84 people on board, not specifying how many of those are crew members. One of the most unique elements of the design is the incorporation of activesonar capability, allowing the ships to track underwater targets in their mission to monitor and intercept submarines despite such tasks historically not being done by patrol ships.[4]
Every ship in the class is named for people who fought for Free France during the Second World War, in recognition of the war's 80th anniversary. In addition, the names would be the first time that a modern French ship would be named for women, aside fromJoan of Arc.[6]
| Name | Ordered | Builder | Laid down | Launched | In Service | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trolley de Préveaux | 2023 | Piriou Shipyard | May 22, 2024 | Projected 2027[7] | [4] | |
| D'Estienne d'Orves | ||||||
| Jeanne Bohec | ||||||
| Chief Petty Officer Nonen | ||||||
| Jacqueline Carsignol | ||||||
| Commander Ducuing | ||||||
| Petty Officer Anquetil | ||||||
| Andrée Borrell | ||||||
| Sein Island | ||||||
| Émilienne Moreau |
