Editorial photo #13646080 Human Interest
French Frigate Chevalier Paul
The French Navy - Marine Nationale Horizon-class frigate FS Chevalier Paul D621 pictured docked at the port of Heraklion, Crete island, Greece on April 5, 2026 as part of the mission in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The Chevalier Paul is a Horizon-class frigate, a class of air defense frigates jointly developed by France and Italy, operated by the French Navy and the Italian Marina Militare. Horizon-class frigates such as Chevalier Paul are considered the most powerful surface combatants France has built, with main mission being the escort and protection of a carrier strike group. The vessel is equipped with the Aster 15 and Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles through the Principal Anti-Air Missile System PAAMS and is designed for fleet air defense, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. The Navy of France is the maritime arm of the French Armed Forces and a key member of the NATO alliance and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto)
