World Navies Today: France
Revised 24 March 2002
Version 1.20
Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan
World Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/
This list includes all surface combatants, submarines, amphibious
ships,
mine warfare vessels, patrol craft (over 100 tons displacement), and
all auxiliaries (over 500 tons displacement). Non-self-propelled craft
and vessels without seagoing capability are not included.
Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are
listed in [brackets]. Navigation and surface-search radars are not
listed. All designations & classifications are unofficial; they may or
may not correspond to "official" designations.
Fleet assignments:
ATL -- Atlantic
PAC -- Pacific
MED -- Mediterranean
IO -- Indian Ocean
WI -- West Indies
Group assignments:
FAN -- Force d'Action Navale -- Naval Action Force
GEAOM -- Groupe Ecole d'Application des Officiers de Marine -- Training
Center
GASM -- Groupe d'Action Sous-Marine -- SSBN protection and ASW training
FOST -- Force Oceanique Strategique -- Strategic Ocean Force
(submarines)
FGM -- Force de Guerre des Mines -- Minesweeping Force
GNDM -- Groupe Naval D'essais et de Mesures -- Trials Group
ZMOI -- Zone Maritime de l'ocean Indien -- Indian Ocean Maritime Area
ATL -- Atlantic area command (auxiliaries & support forces)
MED -- Mediterranean area command (auxiliaries & support forces)
PAC -- Pacific area command
Aircraft Carriers
Major Surface Combatants
Minor Surface Combatants
Submarines
Amphibious Ships
Patrol Craft
Mine Countermeasures Vessels
Fleet Support Auxiliaries
Experimental, Trials and Survey Ships
Tugs and Buoy Tenders
Aircraft Carriers
Charles de Gaulle light aircraft carrier (nuclear
powered)
Displacement: 41,000 tons full load
Dimensions: 261.5 x 64.4 x 8.5 meters (858 x 211 x 28 feet)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 2 reactors, 2 shafts, 83,000 shp, ~24 knots
Crew: 1,950
Aviation: angled flight deck, 2 C13 catapults; 35-40 aircraft
Hangar: 453 x 95 x 20 feet
Troops: 800
Radar: DRBV 26D early warning, DRBV 15 3-D air search, DRBJ 11B air
search
Fire Control: Arabel missile control
EW: ARBR 17 intercept, ARBB 33 jammer, 4 Sagaie chaff
Armament: 32 vertical-launch Aster SAM, 2 6-cell Sandral point
defense SAM, 8 20 mm
A new-design carrier; much-delayed in construction and trials,
but now formally in commission. Although her full air group is
not
yet ready, she has deployed operationally.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport
Notes
R91 Charles de Gaulle 2001
Major Surface Combatants
Jeanne D'Arc training/helicopter cruiser
Displacement: 12,365 tons full load
Dimensions: 182 x 24 x 7.3 meters (597 x 79 x 24 feet)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 40,000 shp, 28 knots
Crew: 696 + 140 cadets
Aviation: Large aft helicopter deck; up to 8 helicopters
Hangar: Used for accommodations
Radar: DRBV 22D 2-D air search
Sonar: DUBV 24
EW: ARBR 16 intercept, 2 Syllex chaff
Armament: 6 Exocet SSM, 4 100 mm DP, 4 12.7 mm MG
Training cruiser; would serve as ASW ship, assault ship or
transport in wartime. Recently has suffered machinery
problems.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
R97 Jeanne D'Arc 1964 ATL GEAOM Brest
Forbin class (Horizon Project) destroyers
Displacement: 6,700 tons
Dimensions: 150.6 x 20.4 meters
Propulsion: CODOG; gas turbines and 2 diesels, 29 knots
Crew: approx. 200
Aviation: Helo deck and hangar for 1 helo
Radar:
Sonar:
Fire Control:
EW:
Armament: Sylver VLS (ASTER-15/30 missiles), 2 76mm OTO
A joint Italian/French project to build air-defense destroyers;
the UK is no longer a partner.
Number Name Year Homeport Notes
[?? Forbin 2006 planned]
[?? Chevalier Paul 2008 planned]
Suffren class air defense destroyers
Displacement: 6,780 tons full load
Dimensions: 157.6 x 15.5 x 7.25 meters (517 x 51 x 24 feet)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 72,500 shp, 34 knots
Crew: 355
Radar: DRBI 23 3-D air search, DRBV 15 air search
Sonar: DUBV 23 hull, DUBV 43 VDS
Fire Control: 2 DRBR 51 missile control
EW: ARBR 17 intercept, ARBB 33 jammer, 2 Sagaie decoy, SLQ-25 Nixie
Armament: 1 Masurca SAM (48 missiles), 4 Exocet SSM, 1 Malafon ASW
(13 missiles), 2 100 mm DP, 4 20 mm, 2 12.7 mm MG, 2 torpedo
catapults
Air defense ships for the carriers.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
D603 Duquesne 1970 MED FAN Toulon Decom 2005
Tourville class destroyers
Displacement: 5,885 tons full load
Dimensions: 152.5 x 15.3 x 6.5 meters (501 x 50 x 19 feet)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 54,400 shp, 32 knots
Crew: 299
Aviation: Aft helicopter deck and hangar for 2 Lynx helicopters
Radar: DRBV 26 early warning
Sonar: DUBV 23 hull, DUBV 43 VDS, DSBV 62C towed
Fire Control: DRBC 32D missile control
EW: ARBR 16 intercept, ARBB 32 jammer, 2 Syllex decoy, SLQ-25 Nixie
Armament: Crotale SAM (24 missiles), 6 Exocet SSM, 2 100 mm DP,
2 20 mm, 2 torpedo catapults
Large ASW escorts with considerable SAM capability.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
D610 Tourville 1974 ATL GASM Brest
D612 De Grasse 1977 ATL GASM Brest
Cassard class air defense frigate
Displacement: 4,500 ton full load
Dimensions: 139.1 x 14 x 5.6 meters (456 x 46 x 18 feet)
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 42,300 bhp, 29.5 knots
Crew: 224 + 27 spare berths
Aviation: Aft helicopter deck and hangar; 1 Lynx helicopter
Radar: DRBV 26 early warning, DRBJ 11B 3-D air search
Sonar: DUBA 24A hull
Fire Control: 2 SPG-51C missile control
EW: ARBR 17 intercept, ARBB 33 jammer, 4 decoy, SLQ-25 Nixie
Armament: 1 Mk 13 launcher (40 SM-1), 8 Exocet SSM, 2 Sadral SAM
(12 Mistral missiles), 1 100 mm DP, 2 20 mm, 4 12.7 mm, 2 torpedo
catapults
Smaller air defense ships, using US missile systems salvaged
from
old ships.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
D614 Cassard 1988 MED FAN Toulon
D615 Jean Bart 1991 MED FAN Toulon
Georges Leygues class frigates
Displacement: 4,350 tons full load
Dimensions: 139.1 x 14 x 4.7 meters (456 x 46 x 13.5 feet)
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 cruise diesels, 10,400 bhp, 21 knots;
2 TM3B boost gas turbines, 52,000 shp, 30 knots
Crew: 216-235
Aviation: Aft helicopter deck and hangar for 2 Lynx helicopters
Radar: DRBV 26 early warning or DRBV 15A air search
Sonar: DUBV 23 or 24 hull, DUBV 43 VDS, DSBV 61A towed
Fire Control: 1 DRBC 33A missile control
EW: ARBR 16/17 intercept, ARBB 32 jammer, 2 decoy, SLQ-25 Nixie
Armament: Crotale SAM (26 missiles), 4 or 8 Exocet SSM, 1 100 mm DP,
2 20 mm, 2 12.7 mm MG, 2 torpedo catapults, positions for Mistral
SAMs
General purpose ASW/multirole escorts.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
D640 Georges Leygues 1979 MED FAN Toulon
D641 Dupleix 1981 MED FAN Toulon
D642 Montcalm 1982 MED FAN Toulon
D643 Jean de Vienne 1984 MED FAN Toulon
D644 Primauguet 1986 ATL GASM Brest
D645 La Motte-Picquet 1988 MED FAN Toulon
D646 Latouche-Treville 1990 ATL GASM Brest
Minor Surface Combatants
Lafayette class patrol frigates
Displacement: 3,280 tons full load
Dimensions: 125 x 15.4 x 4 meters (410 x 51 x 13 feet)
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 17,600 bhp, 25 knots
Crew: 156
Aviation: Aft helicopter deck and hangar; 1 Panther helicopter
Troops: 25 special forces
Radar: DRBV 15C 3-D air search
Fire Control: Castor missile control
EW: ARBR 17 intercept, 2 Dagaie decoy
Armament: 8-cell Crotale SAM, 8 Exocet SSM, 1 100 mm DP, 2 20 mm
Very stealthy frigates designed for colonial patrol and crisis
intervention. Very lightly armed for their size; no ASW
facilities.
Provision is made for later addition of many weapons systems.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
F710 Lafayette 1995 MED FAN Toulon
F711 Surcouf 1997 MED FAN Toulon
F712 Courbet 1997 MED FAN Toulon
F713 Aconit 1999 MED FAN Toulon
F714 Guepratte 2001 MED FAN Toulon
Floreal class small patrol frigates
Displacement: 2,950 tons full load
Dimensions: 93.5 x 14 x 4.3 meters (307 x 46 x 14 feet)
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,800 bhp, 20 knots
Crew: 80
Aviation: Aft helicopter deck and hangar for 1 Panther helicopter
Troops: 24 special forces
Radar: DRBV 25 air/surface search
EW: ARBR 17 intercept, 2 Dagaie decoy
Armament: 2 Exocet SSM, 1 100 mm DP, 2 20 mm
Low-cost patrol vessels for overseas service, fisheries patrol,
etc. Built to commercial standards.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
F730 Floreal 1991 IO ZMOI La Reunion
F731 Prairial 1992 PAC PAC Papeete
F732 Nivose 1992 PAC -- Noumea
F733 Ventose 1993 ATL -- Fort-de-France
F734 Vendermaire 1993 PAC -- Noumea
F735 Germinal 1994 ATL
D'Estienne D'Orves class ASW corvettes
Displacement: 1,250 tons full load
Dimensions: 80 x 10.3 x 5.3 meters (262 x 34 x 17 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 11,000 bhp, 23.5 knots
Crew: 105
Radar: DRBV 52A air/surface search
Sonar: DUBA 25
EW: ARBR 16 intercept, 2 Dagaie decoy, SLQ-25 Nixie
Armament: 1 ASW rocket launcher, 2 Exocet SSM, 1 100 mm DP, 2 20 mm,
4 torpedo catapults
Small ASW-oriented corvettes. Being gradually retired.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
F788 Second-Maitre le Bihan
1979 ATL GASM Brest
Decom 2002
F789 Lieutenant de Vaisseau le Henaff
1980 ATL GASM Brest
F790 Lieutenant de Vaisseau Lavallee
1980 MED Toulon
F791 Commandant L'Herminier
1986 ATL GASM Brest
F792 Premier-Maitre L'her
1981 MED MED Toulon
F793 Commandant Blaison 1982 MED MED Toulon
F794 Enseigne De Vaisseau Jacoubet
1982 MED MED Toulon
F795 Commandant Ducuing 1983 MED MED Toulon
F796 Commandant Birot 1984 MED MED Toulon
F797 Commandant Bouan 1984 MED MED Toulon
Submarines
Le Triomphant class ballistic missile submarines
(nuclear powered)
Displacement: 14,120 tons submerged
Dimensions: 138 x 12.5 x 12.5 meters (452.5 x 41 x 41 feet)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 1 reactor, 1 shaft, 41,500 shp, 25+ knots
Crew: 110
Sonar: DMUX 80, DUXX 5, DSUV 62 towed
Armament: 16 M45 ballistic missiles, 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (12
Exocet & torpedoes)
Replacements for earlier SSBNs.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
S616 Le Triomphant 1997 ATL FOST Brest
S617 Le Temeraire 1999 ATL FOST Brest
[S618 Le Vigilant 2004 ATL FOST Brest building]
[S619 Le Terrible 2010 ATL FOST Brest ordered]
L'Inflexible class ballistic missile submarines
(nuclear powered)
Displacement: 9,000 tons submerged
Dimensions: 128 x 10.5 x 10 meters (420 x 35 x 33 feet)
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 1 reactor, 1 shaft, 16,000 shp, 25 knots
Crew: 130
Sonar: DSUX 21 multifunction passive, DUXX 5 intercept, DSUV 61 towed
Armament: 16 M4 ballistic missiles, 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (12
Exocet & torpedoes)
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
S613 L'Indomptable 1976 ATL FOST Brest
S615 L'Inflexible 1985 ATL FOST Brest
Barracuda class submarines (nuclear powered)
Displacement:
Dimensions:
Propulsion:
Crew:
Sonar:
Armament:
A new class planned for construction; details are not yet
determined. 6 boats to be built.
Amethyste class submarines (nuclear powered)
Displacement: 2,670 tons submerged
Dimensions: 73.6 x 7.6 x 6.4 meters (241 x 25 x 21 feet)
Propulsion: Turbo-electric, 1 reactor, 1 shaft, 9,500 shp, 25 knots
Crew: 66
Sonar: DMUX 20 multifunction, DSUV 62 towed
Armament: 6 21 inch torpedo tubes (14 Exocet & torpedoes)
Improved Rubis class design; all of the earlier boats are now
updated to this standard and are considered a single class.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
S601 Rubis 1983 MED FOST Toulon
S602 Saphir 1984 MED FOST Toulon
S603 Casabianca 1987 MED FOST Toulon
S604 Emeraude 1988 MED FOST Toulon
S605 Amethyste 1992 MED FOST Toulon
S606 Perle 1993 MED FOST Toulon
Amphibious Ships
Mistral class dock landing ships
Displacement: 20,000 tons full load
Dimensions: 200 meters long
Propulsion:
Crew:
Aviation: flight deck for 6 helos; storage for 16-20 helos
Well Deck: 2 hovercraft
Troops: 450
Cargo:
Radar:
Armament:
A pair of new LPDs ordered to replace older ships.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
[?? Mistral 2004 ordered]
[?? Tonnerre 2005 ordered]
Foudre class dock landing ships
Displacement: 11,880 tons full load
Dimensions: 168 x 23.5 x 5.2 meters (551 x 77 x 17 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 21,600 bhp, 21 knots
Crew: 210
Aviation: large midships helicopter deck with hangar; 4 Super Puma
helos
Well Deck: 122 x 13.5 x 7.7 meters (400 x 44 x 25 feet)
Troops: 470
Cargo: 1,080 tons
Radar: DRBV 15 3-D air search
Armament: Mistral SAMs, 1 40 mm AA, 2 20 mm, 4 12.7 mm MG
Also can serve as maintenance, repair and logistics ships.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9011 Foudre 1990 MED FAN Toulon
L9012 Siroco 1998 ATL ATL Toulon
Ouragan class small dock landing ships
Displacement: 8,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 149 x 21.5 x 5.40 meters (489 x 71 x 18 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,640 bhp, 17 knots
Crew: 211
Aviation: midships helicopter deck
Well Deck: 120 m long (393 ft)
Troops: 349
Cargo: 1,500 tons maximum
Armament: 2 Mistral SAM positions, 4 40 mm AA
LSD-type ships; also can serve as maintenance, logistics
and repair ships.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9021 Ouragan 1965 MED FAN Brest
L9022 Orage 1968 MED FAN Toulon
Champlain class small landing ships
Displacement: 1,386 tons full load
Dimensions: 80 x 13 x 3 meters (262 x 43 x 10 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 3,600 bhp, 16 knots
Crew: 44
Aviation: aft helicopter deck
Troops: 138
Cargo: 12 vehicles + equipment/supplies
Armament: 2 40 mm AA or 2 20 mm AA, 2 81 mm mortars, 2 12.7 mm MG
Small self-sufficient multirole landing ships intended mainly
for overseas service.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9030 Champlain 1974 MED FAN Toulon
L9031 Francis Garnier 1974 ATL -- Fort-de-France
L9032 Dumont D'Urville 1983 PAC -- Papeete
L9033 Jacques Cartier 1983 PAC -- Noumea
L9034 La Grandiere 1987 IO -- La Reunion
CDIC type utility landing craft
Displacement: 600 tons full load
Dimensions: 59.4 x 11.9 x 1.1 meters (185 x 39 x 6 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 1,080 bhp, 10 knots
Crew: 18
Cargo: 336 tons
Armament: 2 20 mm AA, 2 12.7 mm MG
Landing craft intended for operation with L9011.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9061 -- 1988
L9062 -- 1989
Patrol Craft
Albatros polar fisheries protection ship
Displacement: 2,800 tons full load
Dimensions: 85 x 13.5 x 6 meters (279 x 44 x 20 feet)
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 1 shaft, 2,350 bhp, 15 knots
Crew: 47 + 15 passengers
EW: passive intercept
Armament: 1 40 mm, 2 12.7 mm
Large trawler purchased for fisheries patrol in the Antarctic.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
P681 Albatros 1967/83 IO -- La Reunion Ex-Neve
Fulmar fisheries patrol boat
Displacement: 680 tons full load
Dimensions: 40 x 8.5 x 4.7 meters
Propulsion: 1 diesel, 1 shaft, 1200 bhp, 12 knots
Former fishing trawler.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
P740 Fulmar 1983/96
L'audacieuse class offshore patrol boats
Displacement: 454 tons full load
Dimensions: 54.5 x 8 x 2.5 meters (179 x 26 x 8 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,000 bhp, 24.5 knots
Crew: 24 + 20 passengers
Cargo: two cargo holds
Armament: 1 40 mm, 1 20 mm, 2 12.7 mm MG
Patrol boats designed for overseas service; cargo/utility
capability.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
P682 L'audacieuse 1986 ATL -- Cherbourg
P683 La Boudeuse 1986 IO -- La Reunion
P684 La Capricieuse 1986 ATL -- Cayenne
P685 La Fougueuse 1987 ATL -- Fort-de-France
P686 La Glorieuse 1987 PAC -- Noumea
P687 La Gracieuse 1987 ATL -- Cayenne
P688 La Moqueuse 1987 PAC -- Noumea
P689 La Railleuse 1987 PAC -- Papeete
P690 La Rieuse 1987 IO -- La Reunion
P691 La Tapageuse 1988 PAC -- Papeete
Grebe class fisheries patrol boat
Displacement: 410 tons full load
Dimensions: 52 x 9.8 x 2.3 meters (499 x 32 x 7 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,800 bhp, 24 knots
Crew: 19
Armament: 2 12.7 mm MG
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
P679 Grebe 1990 ATL ATL Brest
Sterne fisheries patrol boat
Displacement: 380 tons full load
Dimensions: 49 x 7.5 x 2.8 meters (161 x 25 x 9 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,200 bhp, 20 knots
Crew: 18
Armament: 2 12.7 mm MG
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
P690 Sterne 1980 ATL ATL Brest
Flamant class (OPV 54 type) fisheries patrol boats
Displacement: 375 tons full load
Dimensions: 54 x 9.8 x 2.3 meters
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 7,960 bhp, 22 knots
Crew: 24
Armament: 2 12.7 mm MG
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
P676 Flamant 1996 ATL ATL Cherbourg
P677 Cormoran 1996 ATL ATL Brest
P678 Fluvier 1997 ATL -- Cherbourg
Mine Countermeasures Vessels
Eridan (Tripartite) class minehunters
Displacement: 595 tons full load
Dimensions: 51.6 x 9 x 3.5 meters (169 x 29 x 11.5 feet)
Propulsion: 1 diesel, 1 shaft, 1900 bhp, 15 knots
Crew: 55
Sonar: DUBM 21B minehunting, 2 ROV
Armament: 1 20 mm, 2 12.7 mm
Minehunters with a minimal light minesweeping capability.
Many units assigned to port breakout for the SSBN fleet
at Brest. Three units purchased from Belgium.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
M641 Eridan 1984 ATL FGM Brest
M642 Cassiopee 1984 ATL FGM Brest
M643 Andromede 1984 ATL FGM Brest
M644 Pegase 1985 ATL FGM Brest
M645 Orion 1986 ATL FGM Brest
M646 Croix Du Sud 1986 ATL FGM Brest
M647 Aigle 1987 MED FGM Toulon
M648 Lyre 1987 MED FGM Toulon
M649 Persee 1988 MED FGM Toulon
M650 Sagittaire 1996 ATL FGM Brest
M651 Verseau 1988/97 ATL FGM Brest Ex-Iris
M652 Cephee 1988/97 ATL FGM Brest Ex-Fushia
M653 Capricorne 1987/97 ATL FGM Brest Ex-
Dianthus
Antares class port mine countermeasures vessels
Displacement: 340 tons full load
Dimensions: 28.3 x 7.7 x 3.8 meters (93 x 25 x 12.6 feet)
Propulsion: 1 diesel, 1 shaft, 800 bhp, 10 knots
Crew: 25
Sonar: DUBM 25 minehunting
Port minesweepers for route survey at Brest.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
M770 Antares 1994? ATL -- Brest
M771 Altair 1995? ATL -- Brest
M772 Aldebaran 1995? ATL -- Brest
Vulcain class mine disposal tenders
Displacement: 490 tons full load
Dimensions: 41.6 x 7.5 x 3.2 meters (136 x 25 x 10.5 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2200 bhp, 13.7 knots
Crew: 15 + 12 dives
Armament: 1 12.7 mm MG
Dive tenders for mine clearance operations.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
M611 Vulcain 1986 ATL FGM Cherbourg
M612 Pluton 1986 MED FGM Toulon
M613 Acheron 1987 MED FGM Toulon diver
training
M614 Styx 1987 ATL FGM Brest
Fleet Support Auxiliaries
Durance class multi-product replenishment ships
Displacement: 17,900 tons full load
Dimensions: 157.2 x 21.2 x 10.8 meters (515.7 x 69.5 x 35.5 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 20,760 bhp, 19 knots
Crew: 142
Aviation: aft helo deck and hangar for 1 light helicopter
Cargo: varies; approx. 10,000 tons fuels, provisions, munitions, spares
Armament: 1 40 mm, 2 20 mm, 2 12.7 mm MG
General-purpose replenishment ships. Durance has been sold.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A607 Meuse 1980 MED FAN Toulon
A608 Var 1983 IO ZMOI La Reunion
A630 Marne 1987 MED FAN Toulon
A631 Somme 1990 MED FAN Toulon
Jules Verne fleet tender
Displacement: 10,250 tons full load
Dimensions: 147 x 21.56 x 6.5 meters (482 x 71 x 21 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 11,200 bhp, 18 knots
Crew: 282
Aviation: aft helo deck and hangars for 2 light helos
Armament: 2 40 mm
Converted from an incomplete munitions ship. Multirole
repair, maintenance, resupply and support ship for fleet
units operating from advance bases.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A620 Jules Verne 1976 IO ZMOI La Reunion Ex-Acheron
Bougainville electronic surveillance ship
Displacement: approx. 4,870 tons full load
Dimensions: 113.5 x 17 x 4.24 meters (372 x 56 x 14 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,800 bhp, 14.6 knots
Crew: approx. 60
Aviation: helo deck for 2 light helos
Well Deck: 78 x 10.2 meters (256 x 33.5 feet)
Armament: 2 12.7 mm MG
Small LSD-type ship built to serve as a logistics/support ship
for the Pacific test center; recently converted to an electronic
surveillance ship. Probably retains logistics capability.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9077 Bougainville 1988/99 MED MED Toulon
Rhin class special purpose tenders
Displacement: 2,445 tons full load
Dimensions: 101.05 x 13.1 x 3.65 meters (331.5 x 43 x 12 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 3,200 bhp, 16.5 knots
Crew: 156
Aviation: aft helo deck for 1 light helo
Armament: 3 40 mm (+ 3 12.7 mm MG in A615)
Special-purpose support tenders, each configured for a different
role: A615 minesweeper support
A621 electronics repair
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A615 Loire 1967 ATL FGM Brest
A621 Rhin 1964 ATL -- Fort-de-France
Garrone small repair ship
Displacement: 2,320 tons full load
Dimensions: 101.5 x 13.8 x 3.7 meters (333 x 45 x 12 feet)
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 3,600 bhp, 15 knots
Crew: 114
Armament: 1 40 mm, 2 20 mm
Repair ship for overseas service.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A617 Garonne 1965 IO ZMOI La Reunion
Experimental, Trials and Survey Ships
Monge missile tracking ship
Displacement: 21,040 tons full load
Dimensions: 225.6 x 24.84 x 7.66 meters (740 x 81.5 x 25 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 9,000 bhp, 15.8 knots
Crew: 104 + 184 mission crew
Aviation: aft helicopter deck with dual hangars
Radar: multiple missile tracking radars
Armament: 2 20 mm AA
Large missile tracking ship.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A601 Monge 1992 ATL GNDM Brest
Thetis mine countermeasure experimental ship
Displacement: 1,000 tons full load
Dimensions: 59 x 10.9 x 3.63 meters (193.5 x 35.5 x 12 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 2,500 bhp, 15 knots
Crew: 38 + 10 technicians
Sonar: DUBM 42
Armament: 2 12.7 mm MG
Trials ship for DUBM 42, acoustic sweeps, and ROVs.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A785 Thetis 1988 ATL FGM Brest
Langevin test/trials support ship
Displacement: approx. 2,700 tons full load
Dimensions: 67.67 x 13.42 x 4.88 meters
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 2 shafts, 3,600 shp, 12 knots
Crew: ??
Former oil rig supply tug chartered to support SSBN
development/trials.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
-- Langevin 1980/90 ATL Ex-Martin
Fish
D'Entrecasteaux ocean survey ship
Displacement: 2,450 tons full load
Dimensions: 95.65 x 13 x 4.2 meters (216 x 43 x 14 feet)
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,720 shp, 15 knots
Crew: 78 + 38 mission crew
Aviation: aft helicopter deck and hangar
Sonar: various survey sonars
Multirole hydrographic/survey/oceanographic ship, with
elaborate equipment for deep-sea work.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A757 D'Entrecasteaux 1970 ATL ATL Brest
L'Esperance survey ship
Displacement: 1,300 tons full load
Dimensions: 63.45 x 9.82 x 5.85 meters (208 x 32 x 19 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 1,870 bhp, 13.5 knots
Crew: 43
Former trawler.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A756 L'Esperance 1962/69 ATL ATL Brest Decom 1999
La Perouse class survey ships
Displacement: 980 tons full load
Dimensions: 59 x 10.9 x 3.63 meters (193.5 x 35.5 x 12 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,500 bhp, 15 knots
Crew: 27 + 11 mission crew
Armament: 2 12.7 mm MG
General-purpose survey ships. The first two have DUBM 21C
minehunting sonar for route survey, the others have wreck
identification sonar.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A791 La Perouse 1988 ATL ATL Brest
A792 Borda 1988 ATL ATL Brest
A793 Laplace 1989 PAC -- Noumea
A795 Arago 1991 PAC -- Papeete
Gapeau coastal logistics craft
Displacement: 1,058 tons full load
Dimensions: 64 x 12.2 x 3.3 meters (210 x 40 x 11 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 10 knots
Crew: 6 + 30 passengers
Cargo: 460 tons
Support ship for the Mediterranean missile test facility.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9090 Gapeau 1987 MED
EDIC 700 type coastal logistics craft
Displacement: 736 tons full load
Dimensions: 59.4 x 11.9 x 1.76 meters (195 x 39 x 6 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 1,080 bhp, 12 knots
Crew: 18
Cargo: 340 tons
Armament: 2 20 mm, 2 12.7 mm MG
Landing craft used as support vessels for test facilities.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
L9051 -- 1987 MED -- Toulon
L9052 -- 1987 MED -- Toulon
Tugs and Buoy Tenders
Abeille Flandre class large salvage tugs
Displacement: 3,800 tons full load
Dimensions: 63.4 x 14.74 x 6.9 meters (208 x 48 x 22.5 feet)
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 23,000 bhp, 17 knots
Crew: 12
Chartered commercial tugs for naval and civilian salvage/
rescue/towing. Equipped for firefighting and pollution
control. 160 ton bollard pull; among the most powerful
tugs in the word.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
-- Abeille Flandre 1978/?? ATL -- Brest Ex-
N.Suecia
-- Abeille Languedoc 1978/?? ATL -- Cherbourg Ex-
N.Gothia
Abeille Supporter subersible support tug
Displacement: approx. 2,600 tons full load
Dimensions: 63.58 x 13.42 x 5.75 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,000 bhp, 14 knots
Crew: 15 + 27 transients
Former oilfield tug converted as a submersible support ship.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
- Abeille Supporter 1975/??
Carange salvage tug
Displacement: approx. 2,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 64.42 x 13.81 x 5.09 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 7,040 bhp, 16 knots
Crew:
Chartered commercial tug for naval and civilian salvage/
rescue/towing. Equipped for firefighting and pollution
control.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
-- Carangue 1980/95 MED -- Toulon
Merou salvage tug
Displacement: 1,900 tons full load
Dimensions: 59.35 x 15 x 5.32 meters (195 x 49 x 17.5 feet)
Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,000 bhp, 14.2 knots
Crew: 26 + 12 transients
Chartered commercial tug for naval and civilian salvage/
rescue/towing. Equipped for firefighting and pollution
control. 100 ton bollard pull.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
-- Merou 1982/87 MED -- Toulon Ex-King
Fish
Tenace class ocean tugs
Displacement: 1,400 tons full load
Dimensions: 51 x 11.5 x 5.7 meters (167 x 38 x 19 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 4,600 bhp, 13.5 knots
Crew: 56
General purpose seagoing tugs, equipped for salvage and
firefighting.
60 ton bollard pull.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A664 Malabar 1976 ATL ATL Brest
A669 Tenace 1973 ATL ATL Brest
Rari class supply tugs
Displacement: 1,557 tons full load
Dimensions: 51 x 12.6 x 4.1 meters (167 x 41 x 13.5 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels 2 shafts, 4,000 bhp, 14.5 knots
Crew: 21 + 18 passengers
Ocean supply tugs for service around the Pacific bases.
Equipped for firefighting. 47 ton bollard pull.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A634 Rari 1985 PAC -- Muraroa
A635 Revi 1985 PAC -- Muraroa
Belier class coastal tugs
Displacement: 800 tons full load
Dimensions: 32 x 8.8 x ?? meters (105 x 29 x ?? feet)
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,600 bhp, 11 knots
Crew: 12
Coastal/large harbor tugs, equipped for firefighting. 25 ton
bollard pull.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A695 Belier 1980 MED -- Toulon
A696 Buffle 1980 MED -- Toulon
A697 Bison 1981 MED -- Toulon
Alcyon class ocean tug-buoy tenders
Displacement: 1,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 53.01 x 13.31 x 4.5 meters (174 x 43.5 x 15 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,200 bhp, 13.5 knots
Crew: 7
Oil rig supply tugs chartered as tugs and seagoing mooring
tenders. Equipped for firefighting. 60 ton bollard pull.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
-- Alcyon 1981/88 ATL -- Brest Ex-Bahram
-- Ailette 1982/88 ATL -- Brest Ex-Cyrus
Telenn Mor coastal buoy tender
Displacement: 518 tons full load
Dimensions: 41.4 x 9.1 x 1.88 meters (136 x 30 x 6 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 900 bhp, 8 knots
Crew: 10
Small buoy tender.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
Y692 Telenn Mor 1986 ATL -- Brest
Taape coastal support vessel
Displacement: 505 tons full load
Dimensions: 41.02 x 7.5 x 3.18 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 14.2 knots
Crew: 11 + 6 passengers
Support tug similar to the Chamois class.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A633 Taape 1983 PAC Toulon
Chamois class coastal support vessels
Displacement: 505 tons full load
Dimensions: 41.6 x 7.5 x 3.2 meters (136 x 24/5 x 10.5 feet)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 14.5 knots
Crew: 20
Multirole support ships, can serve as logistics ships,
coastal towing, spill cleanup, transports, minelayers,
torpedo retrievers. One serves as a divers training
ship.
Number Name Year FLT Group Homeport Notes
A768 Elan 1978 ATL -- Brest
A774 Chevreuil 1977 MED MED Toulon
A776 Isard 1978 MED MED Toulon diver training
Compiled and maintained by Andrew Toppan.
Copyright © 1997-2003, Andrew Toppan. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, reuse, or distribution without permission is prohibited.
