France launched Aquitaine, the first multi-mission frigate (FREMM) of the new generation made by Europeans on Tuesday in Lorient, a port in western France, where President Nicolas Sarkozy attended the opening ceremony. As the vessel was purchased by the French Navy, Defense Minister Herve Morin took part in the ceremony accompanying the president as well as the Industry Minister Christian Estrosi, according to a statement released by the Elysee Palace. Aquitaine, the first product of a European program of building multi-mission frigates, is 142 meters long and of 6,000 tonnages. It will carry an NH90 helicopter and an anti-submarine besides other sophisticated weaponry. With the construction beginning in February 2007, Aquitaine is expected to be delivered in 2010 to French Navy to replace the Tourville in service. The current FREMM program is the largest one ever undertaken in Europe. It was originally a purely French project when it was launched in April 2002, and then involved in more European members with the participation of Italy in that November and the coordination of the European Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (JACS) in 2005. France plans to acquire 11 frigates and Italy will take 10. These frigates are being built by French vessel maker DCNS and Italian Orrizonte Sistemi Navali. The new generation fleet will take missions such as the control of the operational zones, the surgical strike, anti-ship and anti- submarine fights as well as logistics support and force deployment. 