Multi-mission frigates (FREMM) are the backbone of the military navy in the various areas of naval defense and will constitute a replacement for most of the older frigates, in particular the F67-Tourville class (already scrapped), F70 Georges Leygues and FAA Cassard. The FREMM frigates are capable of operating within the scope of interarms and international operations, singly or as a part of a naval fleet. They complement a set of two Horizon-class anti-aircraft frigates.

FREMM frigates are in the class of 6,000-ton ships that can deploy anti-ship capabilty (surface-to-surface missiles), anti-submarine self-defense (ASTER 15 missiles) and a capability for deep-penetration strikes (naval cruise missiles) for the anti-submarine version or area anti aircraft defense for the hardened anti-aircraft version (ASTER 15 or 30 missiles). These frigates are equiped with NH90 NFI helicopters.

The program includes 8 frigates : six in the anti-submarine version and two in the hardened anti-aircraft version. The program is managed within OCCAR in coperation with Italy. The Thales and MBDA companies are the main sub-contractors for the combat management systems.

As the first anti-submarine frigate of the FREMM program, Aquitaine was built at Lorient by the DCNS :

• Signature of the FREMM program by France and Italy : November 14, 2005
• Cutting of the first steel plate : March 16 2007
• Keel laying at the Lorient DCNS shipyard : December 2007
• First sea trials : April 18 2011
• Delivery to the National Navy ; November 23 2012

The Aquitaine's missions are many :

• Control of air-and-sea operational area s (support of strategic oceanic force, escort, protection)
• Deep penetration strikes with the cruise missile.
• Anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-aircraft defense.
• Support of remote operations.

Some characteristics :

• Length overall : 142 m
• Breadth overall : 20 m
• Draught : 7.30 m (with propeller deployed)
• Height : 46 m
• Maximum speed : 27 knts
• Displacement : 6,000 tons

The monographs consists in two sheets of plans at the 1/100th scale, a historic and descriptive notice, four plates of color photographs.