Horizon Class Air Defence Frigate

Public description

The Horizon class is France's dedicated air-defence frigate pair for carrier-group and task-group protection. Forbin and Chevalier Paul combine PAAMS, Aster missiles, long-range air surveillance and command facilities to manage the air picture and defend high-value units, while retaining enough anti-surface, ASW helicopter and gun capability for escort work. Their role is narrower but higher-end than general-purpose frigates: area air defence and air-control command are the defining capabilities.