French Frigate Floreal Country: France Type: Frigate Service: 1992 - 2008 Ships in class: 6

The Floreal class is a type of light sentry frigates designed for the needs of the French Navy after the end of the Cold War, ordered in 1989. They use construction standards of commercial ships. A total of six Floreal class frigates have been commissioned by the French Navy since 1992 and all remain in service. Also, the Royal Moroccan Navy purchased two modified Floreal class frigates.

After the end of the Cold War, it was felt that the risks of a large-scale military confrontation had all but disappeared. The Marine Nationale had to face new missions. The concept of sentry frigate emerged from the will of the French government to protect its Exclusive Economic Zone as defined in the Montego Bay treaties. Other needs identified included matters of humanitarian aid, diplomacy, or naval law enforcement. An onboard helicopter was deemed appropriated to provide versatile, swift and long-range capabilities to deliver support, ferry or rescue. These constraints defined the need for a ship which would be small; extremely stable to allow use of a heavy helicopter in all weather; having a small crew, while retaining capacities to accommodate navy commandos; light armament; economic and long-range propulsion system. Floreal class frigates were the result of this assessment.