France Offers Upgraded FDI Frigate To Saudi Arabia With French MPLS Instead Of U.S. RAM System

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France Offers Upgraded FDI Frigate To Saudi Arabia With French MPLS Instead Of U.S. RAM System

France has offered an upgraded FDI frigate to Saudi Arabia, replacing the U.S.-made Rolling Airframe Missile system with a French MPLS air defense solution, according to a report.

The proposal centers on the Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention, or FDI frigate, developed by Naval Group for the French Navy. The variant presented to Riyadh would integrate a French close-in missile launcher in place of the U.S.-built Rolling Airframe Missile system typically installed on export configurations.

The move signals Paris’ intent to provide a more sovereign, fully French naval air defense package tailored to Saudi operational requirements.

A Modified FDI Configuration

The FDI frigate, also known as the Belh@rra class, is a 4,500 ton multi-mission surface combatant designed for anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare. It features the Thales Sea Fire active electronically scanned array radar, a digital combat management system, and vertical launch systems capable of deploying Aster surface-to-air missiles.

In its standard export configuration, the FDI frigate integrates the RAM system as a close-in air defense layer. However, France’s offer to Saudi Arabia replaces that system with a French MPLS launcher, ensuring the ship’s short-range air defense capability remains fully sourced from domestic suppliers.

While detailed specifications of the MPLS configuration for Saudi Arabia have not been publicly disclosed, the concept aligns with France’s broader defense industrial policy of promoting sovereign solutions through its domestic defense base.

Strategic Context For Saudi Naval Modernization

Saudi Arabia has been pursuing an extensive naval modernization program aimed at strengthening maritime security in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The Royal Saudi Navy operates a mix of Western-designed surface combatants, including vessels supplied by the United States and Europe.

The FDI frigate proposal positions France as a key contender in future Saudi naval procurement efforts. The French defense industry has longstanding ties with Riyadh, including previous naval and aerospace contracts.

Replacing the RAM system with a French MPLS solution may also simplify export approvals and reduce dependency on U.S. Foreign Military Sales processes. The RAM system is jointly developed by Raytheon and MBDA, and its export requires U.S. government authorization.

By offering a fully French configuration, Paris could streamline negotiations while strengthening its position in a competitive defense market.

Capabilities Of The FDI Frigate

The FDI frigate is designed as a next-generation digital warship, incorporating advanced automation and cyber-resilient architecture. Key features include:

• Thales Sea Fire AESA radar with 360 degree coverage
• Aster 15 and Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles
• Anti-submarine warfare suite with hull-mounted and towed sonar
• Anti-ship missile capability
• Hangar and flight deck for medium naval helicopters

The platform’s modular design allows customization based on customer requirements, including combat system configuration and weapons integration.

The French Navy’s own FDI ships are scheduled to enter service this decade, reinforcing confidence in the design’s maturity. Greece has also ordered FDI frigates, further validating the export model.

Broader Defense Industrial Implications

France’s decision to propose a French MPLS in place of the RAM system reflects a broader trend toward strategic autonomy in defense exports. Paris has consistently promoted integrated, nationally controlled solutions to international customers.

For Saudi Arabia, the offer provides an alternative to U.S.-centric naval systems while maintaining access to high-end European naval technology.

Any final contract would depend on negotiations between Riyadh and Paris, including industrial participation, technology transfer, and long-term support arrangements.

As regional maritime threats evolve, advanced frigate platforms such as the FDI remain central to force modernization strategies across the Middle East.