The Floréal-class frigates were designed in response to a demand for a cheap warship capable of operating in low threat areas and able to perform general patrol functions.

As a result, the Floréal class were constructed to mercantile standards in the areas of ammunition stowage, helicopter facilities and damage control, which significantly lowered the cost of the vessels.

[2] Prairial was ordered as part of the first pair on 20 January 1989 from Chantiers de l'Atlantique for construction at their yard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and the keel was laid down on 11 September 1990.

[16] In March 2019, Prairial intercepted 800 kilograms (1,800 lb) of cocaine after a panga was spotted adrift off the coast of Nicaragua in international waters.

[18] On 10 March 2021, Prairial reported suspicious illegal ship-to-ship transfers of oil, which was announced by the French Pacific Command (ALPACI).

[21] Late in the year, the frigate (with its new Dauphin helicopter embarked) undertook a 36-day deployment in the South Pacific which included exercises with the Chilean Navy and patrol of the British exclusive maritime zone around the Pitcairn Islands.

[22] In March 2023, the frigate was reported to have deployed to the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand and made a port visit in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

[23] In April 2023, Prairial was reported to have transited the Taiwan Strait[24] continuing on to make port visits in South Korea and Japan and conducting exercises with a Japanese frigate.