
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian officially launched the construction of five Belharra-class intermediate frigates (FTI), the Ministry said Friday.The frigate contract was originally awarded to the French industrial group DCNS by the government’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). The Defence Ministry said these frigates will allow the French Navy to operate 15 first-line frigates by 2030, in accordance with the military multiyear planning law, the Defence Ministry said.The Belharra is intended primarily for anti-submarine warfare but will also feature…