The French Navy’s advanced escort frigate Provence has arrived at the Port of Colombo for a formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the vessel with traditional naval honors.
Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED, the Provence is 142.2 meters long, 20 meters wide, and weighs 6,000 tons. It is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and defense systems designed for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat.
Commissioned in 2015, the frigate features advanced radar, sonar, and missile defense systems, along with air defense cannons, missile launchers, and electronic warfare technology. It also has a helicopter landing pad for search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and reconnaissance operations.
The Provence can travel at 16 knots (30 km/h) in stealth mode and reach speeds of up to 27 knots (50 km/h). Its command center is fitted with high-tech monitoring and control systems, allowing precise tactical operations. One of its key features is an autonomous tracking and defense system that detects and neutralizes threats independently.
Beyond its military capabilities, the Provence represents France’s strategic maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing its commitment to regional security and defense cooperation.
