Built as a guided-missile frigate by DCH at Lorient, France for the French Navy.
15 December 1990 laid down.
13 June 1992 launched as the La FAYETTE (F710) one of the La Fayette Class of five of the French Navy.
Displacement 3.200 standard, 3.700 tons full load. Dim. 124.2 x 15.4 x 5.9m. (draught).
Powered: CODAD with four SEMT-Pielstick 12 PA6 V 280 STC diesels, 21.110 shp. two shafts, speed 25 knots. Bunker capacity 350 tons.
Range by a speed of 12 knots 9.000 miles.
Armament: 1 – 100mm, and 2 – 20mm guns, two quadruple launchers for MM 40 Exocet missiles. 1 – Crotale CN2 launcher with a total of 26 missiles. Possible replaced by 16 Astrid 15 missiles in vertical launchers.
Can carry one AS 565 MA Panther or NH 90 helicopter.
Crew163.
22 March 1996 commissioned, with homeport Toulon.
She is one of the modern stealth warships, and designed for crisis intervention and the seaward defence of France and her overseas territories.
Can also be integrated in an intervention task force around an aircraft carrier or amphibious landing group.
May 1999 took part in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition at Singapore.
2008 Still in service.
On French Antarctic Terr. 2001 sg?
Jane’s 2004. The Encyclopedia of Warships and some web-sites.