Group : Frigates
Status : Active
Origin : France
Contractor : Naval Group
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1995
Total Production : 5

The La Fayette-class frigates were designed with innovative stealth features with reduced radar cross section and infrared signatures. The modular design of these ships permits them to be configured as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and Multi-role frigates. The ships can be armed with surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, advanced sensors and one helicopter.

La Fayette-class frigates have been ordered by France, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

The frigates ordered by the French have been configured as multi-role frigates. They feature MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles, Crotale air defense system employing the VT-1 missile with 8 missiles ready to fire and 18 in storage, a 100mm gun, and a NH90 or AS565 ASW helicopter. Jamming and decoy capabilities have also been provided to these ships. It may be possible to upgrade French Navy's La Fayette-class frigates with the SAAM air defense system, but it has not been confirmed yet.

Three frigates were upgraded and delivered back to the French Navy in February 2024. The upgrade did not include the SAAM air defense system and was aimed at keeping the ships relevant until 2030.

Group : Frigates
Status : Active
Origin : France
Contractor : Naval Group
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1996
Total Production : 6

The La Fayette-class frigates were designed with innovative stealth features with reduced radar cross section and infrared signatures. The modular design of these ships permits them to be configured as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and Multi-role frigates. The ships can be armed with surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, advanced sensors and one helicopter.

La Fayette-class frigates have been ordered by France, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

The Kang Ding frigates purchased by the Taiwanese Navy have been designed to perform anti-submarine warfare missions. They feature a 76mm naval gun, a S-70C helicopter, 8 Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles, 4 Sea Chaparral surface-to-air missiles (Sidewinder derivative), one Phalanx CIWS, and torpedoes.

Group : Frigates
Status : Active
Also Known As : Al Riyadh, F3000S, Type 3000S
Origin : France
Contractor : Naval Group
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2002
Total Production : 3

The La Fayette-class frigates were designed with innovative stealth features with reduced radar cross section and infrared signatures. The modular design of these ships permits them to be configured as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and Multi-role frigates. The ships can be armed with surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, advanced sensors and one helicopter.

La Fayette-class frigates featuring minor modifications compared to each other have been ordered by the Navies of France, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

The Sawari II-class frigates ordered by Saudi Arabia have been designed to perform anti-air warfare (AAW) missions. They original project has been modified to accommodate the SAAM air defense system comprising the Arabel 3D radar, a long range 2D radar and ASTER 15 missiles as well as the Sylver VLS (SAAM). In addition, the MM40 Exocet missiles will provide anti-ship capability and two AS565 Panther helicopters will be responsible for anti-submarine warfare missions.

On September 7, 2004, HMS Al Riyadh frigate completed the SAAM air defense system trials and crew training with a successful interception of a surrogate target at the Mediterranean Test Center in Hyedes near Toulon, France. ARABEL multi-function radar, ASTER 15 missile, SYLVER launch system and SAAM fire control system performed seamlessly during the test simulating a real scenario. The crew's firing training campaign was ended by HMS Makkah on September 29, 2004 with a third successful ASTER 15 missile firing.