These frigates are referred to as "stealth" frigates. Their reduced radar cross section is achieved by a very clean superstructure compared to conventional designs, angled sides and Radar Absorbent Material (RAM), a composite material of wood and glass fiber as hard as steel, light, and resistant to fire.

All information gathered by the onboard sensors is managed by the Information Processing System, the electronic brain of the operation centre of the ship. It is completed by an electronic command aid system.

The La Fayette has space available for the future installation of the Aster 15 missile, the state-of-the-art anti-air European weapon, and currently carries the Crotale short-range defence system, and Exocet missile, mounted in two quad launchers.

The ships are designed to accommodate a 10 tonne helicopter in the Panther or NH90 range (they are capable of harbouring the Super Frelon and such heavy helicopters). These helicopters can carry anti-ship AM39 or AS15 missiles, and can be launched during a 5 or 6 sea state, thanks to the Samahé helicopter handling system.

France ordered five ships of the La Fayette class in 1988, the last of which entered service in 2002.

General Characteristics
Class type:     frigate
Displacement:     3200 tonnes, 3600 tonnes fully loaded
Length:     125m (410.1ft)
Beam:     15.4 m
Draught:     4.1m (13.45ft)
Propulsion and power:     4 diesel SEMT Pielstick 12PA6V280 STC2, 21000 HP (15 400 kW)
Speed:     25 knots
Range:     7000 nautical miles at 15 knots, 9000 at 12 knots
Endurance:     50 days of food
Boats and landing craft carried:     2 ETN boats
Capacity:     350 tonnes of fuel, 80 m³ of kerosene, 60 tonnes of drinkable water
Complement:     12 officers, 68 petty officers, 61 men
Armament:     1 x 100 mm TR automatic gun1 x Inmarsat
Armour:     On sensitive areas (munition magazine and control centre)
Aircraft complement:     1 x 10 tonne helicopter (Panther or NH90)

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