Poster tampion french frigate Chevalier Paul

The frigate Chevalier Paul is an air defense vessel belonging to the Horizon class of the French Navy. She is part of a pair of twin frigates with the Forbin. Its hull is identified by the number D621. Its main mission is to escort and protect a carrier battle group, usually centered around an aircraft carrier such as the Charles de Gaulle, or to support amphibious operations carried out by amphibious helicopter carriers. It plays a crucial role in air traffic control in war zones and can intervene in crisis contexts, such as the evacuation of nationals, intelligence missions or commando intervention.

Commissioned since late 2011, the Chevalier Paul takes its name from Jean-Paul de Saumeur, also known as Chevalier Paul, a 17th-century French navigator. The ship is based in Toulon and belongs to the most powerful class of surface ships ever built by France, with the exception of aircraft carriers.

Chevalier Paul features include advanced airspace management capabilities, as well as systems for defense and protection against nuclear, radiological, bacteriological and chemical (NRBC) threats. It is equipped with Aster 15 and 30 missiles for anti-aircraft defense, as well as other armaments such as Exocet MM40 Block 3C missiles for the fight against coastal land targets, automated guns, torpedo tubes and systems of electronic warfare.

Its stealth technology allows it to avoid radar detection, and its ability to integrate data and collaborate with other platforms makes it central to the concept of Network Centric Warfare.

The Chevalier Paul frigate also has aeronautical facilities, including a landing platform and a helicopter hangar. It can accommodate and maintain an NH90 class heavy helicopter for various missions, enhancing its operational versatility.