France Initiates Construction of Advanced Patrouilleur Hauturier-Class Offshore Patrol Vessels

On 5 February 2026, the PIRIOU shipyard launched the Trolley de Prévaux, marking the inaugural Patrouilleur Hauturier (PH)-class offshore patrol vessel for the French Navy. This vessel is the first of seven OPVs commissioned by France’s Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) in November 2023, reflecting France's commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities amid evolving maritime security challenges.

On 5 February, 2026, PIRIOU shipyard launched Trolley de Prévaux in Concarneau, Brittany. It is the first Patrouilleur Hauturier (PH)-class offshore patrol vessel built for the French Navy. The ship is the first of seven OPVs ordered by the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), France’s defense procurement agency, in November 2023. Construction began in May ... The post France Launches First of Seven New Offshore Patrol Vessels appeared first on Naval News.