France's most modern warship visits Ho Chi Minh City

The multi-purpose escort ship Provence (FREMM Provence), one of the most modern warships in the French Navy, is currently on a week-long port visit to Ho Chi Minh City, starting on March 1st.

The multi-purpose escort ship Provence at Lotus Port (Ho Chi Minh City) at noon on March 6.

The multi-purpose escort ship Provence, a warship belonging to the French Navy's carrier strike group, is deployed in the Indo- Pacific region as part of Operation CLEMENCEAU 25.

During a press conference on board the ship at noon on March 6th, the ship's commander, Navy Colonel Lionel Siegfried, stated: "The FREMM Provence can be considered a representative of the French Navy's modernization program. This is the second ship built out of our eight state-of-the-art frigates. Officially commissioned in 2015, the FREMM Provence is capable of independently carrying out any mission assigned by the French Navy, thanks to its combat and security equipment, with its main mission being anti-submarine warfare."

The Provence-class destroyer has a 3D radar system capable of detecting targets such as aircraft, as well as surface vessels.

FREMM Provence is one of the most modern warships in the French Navy, equipped with anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and anti-submarine warfare systems.

The multi-purpose frigate Provence has a displacement of 6,000 tons, a length of 142 m, a width of 20 m, and a crew of 160. The ship is equipped with an NH90 helicopter, a 3D radar system capable of detecting aircraft and surface vessels; sensors and sonar; and systems for air defense, surface-to-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

The ship is equipped with a NH90 helicopter.

The engine room controls and analyzes the ship's operations.

An officer demonstrates the sonar system of the FREMM Provence.

The FREMM Provence operates using a combination of electric and gas turbine engines. When stealth is required, the ship uses the electric engines, reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots. When acceleration is needed, it can reach 27 knots using the gas turbine engines. The design of the FREMM Provence allows it to adapt to any crisis situation around the world . In particular, its reconnaissance and sensor systems enable the French Navy to independently assess the situation.

The ship's commander, Navy Colonel Lionel Siegfried (left), and the French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, on the deck of the Provence.

According to Colonel Siegfried, numerous exchange programs with the Vietnamese Navy and Coast Guard were conducted during this visit, covering areas such as maritime security and sea rescue. The sailors of the FREMM Provence also participated in a friendly volleyball match with officers and sailors from the Vietnam Navy's Region 2. On a civilian basis, the Provence opened its doors to several visiting delegations, and the crew had the opportunity to explore and learn about the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. "Ho Chi Minh City is a place where history and culture intertwine with modernity. The city is densely populated but very peaceful and secure, and its people are exceptionally hospitable. This is a perfect place for the Provence to dock," Colonel Siegfried remarked.

Speaking to the press at a press conference, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said: "France has territories, with populations and many facilities in the Indo- Pacific region. Our warships regularly operate in this area and at least once a year dock at Vietnamese ports. These port visits are not only part of the warships' operations, but also carry significant political meaning, demonstrating the friendship between the two countries."

According to Ambassador Brochet, this visit by the Provence is unlike previous visits by French warships. It is one of the most modern warships the French navy has ever visited Vietnam. The FREMM Provence is also one of the most modern warships in France in particular and in Europe in general, according to the French Ambassador.

Next, FREMM Provence, part of the French carrier strike group, has been deployed in the Indian Ocean for several weeks and is currently transiting the South China Sea. The deployment of this carrier strike group is symbolic militarily and, especially, geopolitically, reaffirming the commitment of both France and Vietnam to respecting the universal principles of international law: freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, respect for the UN Charter, and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Furthermore, the FREMM Provence port call takes place against the backdrop of Vietnam and France upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during General Secretary To Lam's visit to Paris in October 2024. Both countries are committed to strengthening cooperation for regional peace and security, and collaborating to achieve these goals within the framework of the Western Pacific Naval Summit (WPNS), a forum bringing together naval forces from countries bordering the Pacific and Indian Oceans to enhance cooperation in the naval field.

This courtesy visit by the multi-purpose frigate Provence is a testament to the bilateral relationship and a continuation of many regular visits by ships of the French national navy to Vietnam, as happened in 2023 and 2024 with the cruisers Prairial and Vendémiaire.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-ham-hien-dai-bac-nhat-cua-phap-ghe-tham-tphcm-185250306183506697.htm