Georges Leygues-class (Type F70)

The Georges Leygues class, designated as Type C70 AS or Type F70 AS, consisted of seven guided-missile destroyers constructed for the French Navy by Arsenal de Brest. Built between 1974 and 1988, the class succeeded the Tourville class and was followed by the anti-submarine variant of the Aquitaine class. While initially classified by the French Navy as corvettes under the C70 designation, they were internationally identified as anti-submarine destroyers. The French Navy later reclassified the vessels as frigates using the F70 designation.

The ships were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) escorts. Propulsion was provided by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system, utilizing SEMT-Pielstick diesel engines for cruising and Rolls-Royce Olympus gas turbines for sprint speeds. The superstructures were designed with resistance to nuclear blast pressure. Tactical operations were managed by the SENIT 4 tactical data system, which integrated inputs from hull-mounted sonar, towed variable depth sonar, and search, fire-control, and early-warning radars. Aviation facilities included a double hangar for helicopter operations. The final three vessels in the series featured a bridge raised by one deck to improve handling in heavy seas and were equipped with a passive linear towed array sonar.

Commissioned between 1979 and 1990, the class was deployed for the defense of strategic positions, show of force operations, and high seas escort duties during and after the Cold War. The seven vessels—Georges Leygues, Dupleix, Montcalm, Jean de Vienne, Primauguet, La Motte-Picquet, and Latouche-Tréville—were retired from active service over an eight-year period. Decommissioning of the class began with the lead ship in 2014 and concluded with the retirement of the Latouche-Tréville in 2022.