Naval Group Launches FREMM Alsace
Naval Group has launched the seventh multi-mission FREMM frigate for the French Navy from a specialist facility in Lorient.Known as Alsace, the vessel is the first of the two air defence frigates under the FREMM programme – Multi-Mission European Frigates – for the French Navy and the ninth multi-missions FREMM frigate.Thirteen months after the keel laying of the first block, the FREMM DA Alsace is released from the construction form of the Naval Group site of Lorient. Ninth multi-missions FREMM frigate, it is also the seventh one for the French Navy, ordered by the OCCAr on behalf of the DGA..In order to answer the operational requirements…
Shipbuilding: Frigate Normandie Floated Out
French shipbuilder Naval Group said it floated the FREMM multi-mission frigate Normandie on February 1, roughly one year after the start of hull assembly in the building dock on the Lorient site. The eighth FREMM frigate to be built in Lorient and the sixth in a series ordered by OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation) on behalf of the DGA (French Defense Procurement Agency - Direction Générale de l’Armement) for the French Navy, the FREMM Normandie was taken out of…
DCNS Delivers Frigate for French Navy
In early April DCNS delivered the FREMM multi-mission frigate Auvergne to the French Navy, the fourth of the series ordered by OCCAR1 on behalf of the DGA (French armament procurement agency). Delivery of the FREMM multi-mission frigate Auvergne is the result of a design and construction process managed by DCNS in close cooperation with the French Navy, DGA and OCCAR teams. “The delivery of the FREMM Auvergne represents an opportunity to applaud the industrial and technological prowess of DCNS and its subcontractors,"said Nicolas Gaspard, director of the FREMM program at DCNS.
Moroccan to Acquire Submarine from Moscow
Moroccan King Mohammed VI’s upcoming visit to Moscow by the end of 2015 is expected to conclude negotiations to obtain the country’s first submarine from Russia, says a report in World Tribune. Multiple Moroccan and Russian media reports said negotiations about the price tag of the Amur 1650, which kicked off in 2013, are expected to finish. “The forthcoming visit of His Majesty the King has a historical and strategic importance,” said Moroccan ambassador to Russia Abdelkader Lachheb, according to Sputnik. The date of the trip this year has not been announced. “It is designed to give a strong impetus to the development and quality of bilateral relations and to deepen the strategic partnership between Russia and Morocco,” added the Moroccan envoy.
GE to Supply Avio Aero with Gas Turbine for French Frigate
GE Marine has received an order to supply one LM2500+G4 aeroderivative marine gas turbine to Avio Aero of Turin, Italy, a GE Marine System Supplier. The gas turbine will power the French Navy’s ninth FREMM frigate. Through Avio Aero, at least 18 LM2500+G4 gas turbines will provide propulsion for the Italian-French FREMM program, which includes six ships for the Italian Navy, 11 ships for the French Navy, and one ship for the Royal Moroccan Navy. Other international navies are considering the FREMM frigate for use in their fleets.
Morocco’s Fight Against Piracy
At a bilateral meeting on April 8 with Moroccan Foreign Minister Dr. Taieb Fassi Fihri, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton praised Morocco for its "extraordinary progress" and reaffirmed America's commitment to its longstanding relationship of friendship and cooperation with the North African nation. She emphasized the need for international cooperation on security issues, such as the recent act of Somali piracy that threatened 21 American crew members, and remarked that Morocco was the first ally of the United States to offer assistance in the protection of its merchant fleet more than 200 years ago. "Morocco was the very first country that recognized us, going back a long time," said Secretary Clinton.
