Future FS Jacques Chevallier, the first of a new fleet of logistics ships being built for the French Navy, took to the sea for the first time on December 20.
Based on the Logistic Support Ship (LSS) design from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the French Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Force (BRF) replenishment vessels will have the ability to deliver 13,000 cubic meters of fuel to French Navy combat vessels, as well as ammunition, spare parts, and food.
During its first underway, Jacques Chevallier tested several platform systems as part of preparation for the next phase of at sea trials and ahead of the scheduled delivery next year. The ship was launched in April this year.
The 194-meter ships will displace 31,000 tons and have a complement of 190 personnel, including 130 crew members and 60 passengers.
Naval Group is responsible for the design, development and integration of the military systems of the platform. The combat system for the four ships, whose architecture is based on the Polaris combat management system, ensures the protection against close threats and the fight against asymmetric threats.
France signed the contract for four ships in the class in June 2019. Managed by OCCAR, on behalf of the French defense procurement agency DGA, all ships of the the FlotLog program are expected to be delivered by 2029. While the ships are being completed and handed over by a joint venture composed of Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Naval Group, forward sections of the ships are being fabricated by Fincantieri in Italy.
Final assembly is taking place at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Saint-Nazaire yard.
