Original plans were for 17 FREMM hulls to replace the nine D'Estienne d'Orves-class avisos and nine anti-submarine (ASW) frigates of the Tourville and Georges Leygues classes.

Following the cancellation of the third and fourth of the Horizon-class frigates in 2005 on budget grounds, requirements for an air-defence derivative of the FREMM called FREDA were placed – with DCNS coming up with several proposals.

Speaking about how the frigate balances its air defence and ASW missions, Captain Baquer noted that: "a single unit cannot optimize its capabilities in both areas simultaneously, but they are not mutually exclusive.

Thus, FREMM DA adapts its electro-acoustic policy to the maneuver idea of the commander of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and is able to change its priority domain at short notice".

[18] In January 2024, she transitted through the Suez Canal to join multi-national defence operations in the Red Sea in the face of Houthi attacks against international shipping.

[20] Alsace formed a part of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) centred on Charles de Gaulle during the Mission Clemenceau 25 deployment that began on 28 November 2024.