Ouragan-class

The Ouragan class, designated Transport de chalands de débarquement (TCD), was the first series of landing platform docks designed and constructed by France. Built by the Brest Arsenal, the class was developed to replace American and British amphibious vessels acquired after World War II. The series consisted of two ships: Ouragan and Orage.

The class was designed for multi-mission amphibious operations, including the transport of troops, vehicles, and landing craft. The ships featured a submersible well deck with a stern gate, allowing for the deployment of various landing craft types such as the Engin de débarquement d'infanterie et de chars (EDIC). Mission flexibility was provided by removable internal and external deck sections, which could be reconfigured to increase cargo space or expand aviation facilities. The vessels were equipped with cranes to handle equipment and featured a flight deck with a starboard island to support helicopter operations. Ouragan was initially configured with mortars and guns for self-defense, while Orage was outfitted as a headquarters ship with an enclosed flag bridge and decontamination areas. In 1993, both vessels underwent modernization, receiving surface-to-air missile launchers and updated air/surface radar and optronic systems.

Upon entering service, both ships were assigned to the Pacific Experimental Centre to support the French nuclear testing program. Ouragan was present for the first French hydrogen bomb test and later conducted evacuation operations in the Comoros and Lebanon. Both vessels were deployed for Opération Daguet during the Gulf War. Orage also served in the Mediterranean during the Yugoslav Wars and the War in Kosovo, and later conducted operations in Haiti. Although originally intended for replacement in the 1990s, both ships remained in service until the 2000s due to delays in successor programs. A planned sale to the Argentine Navy was canceled following concerns regarding asbestos used in construction. Both vessels were decommissioned in 2007 and subsequently scrapped in Belgium.