FDI Belharra Frigate Tahya Misr

Overview

French digital frigate representing latest generation surface combatant procured by Egypt as part of comprehensive naval modernization creating most advanced Egyptian warships. Egypt ordered 4 FDI (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention) Belharra-class frigates from France with contract signed 2021, construction underway with deliveries expected mid-to-late 2020s. First Egyptian vessel named Tahya Misr (Long Live Egypt). Displacement approximately 4,500 tonnes with length of 122 metres. Features comprehensive combat systems including Herakles digital multifunction AESA radar providing simultaneous air surveillance and fire control, VLS launching Aster 15/30 air defense missiles for area defense, Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles (200+ km range), MU90 torpedoes for ASW, 76mm main gun, helicopter facilities for medium helicopter, modern electronic warfare suite, and extensively digitalized architecture reducing crew requirements (crew of 125). Maximum speed 27+ knots. Egyptian FDI will serve as fleet flagships providing air defense, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and general-purpose capability. Represents cutting-edge naval technology with advanced sensors, weapons, and networking. Construction includes some Egyptian participation supporting domestic naval industry. Future operations protecting Mediterranean and Red Sea approaches, Suez Canal, offshore oil/gas fields, and maritime trade routes. Complements MEKO and Gowind frigates creating multi-layered capable surface fleet.

Operators

• Egypt
• France
• Greece

Related sea Weapon Systems

• JL-3 SLBM - Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (China)
• IAI Gabriel V - missile (Israel)
• Type 071 Yuzhao - amphibious (China)
• Akya - Heavy Torpedo (Turkey)
• Type 075 LHD - amphibious (China)
• Type 076 LHA - amphibious (China)
• Orka Class Submarine - submarine (Netherlands)
• Type 054A - frigate (China)
• Type 056A Jiangdao - corvette (China)
• AN/SPY-1 - Naval Multi-Function Radar (United States)