They were designed to accomplish police operations in the French exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

They were built by the Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie, which specialise in small military craft.

All of these craft were based in overseas territories (DOM/TOM) where they conducted sea monitoring missions and secured the EEZ.

An unusual feature for ships of this size, the Operational Centre allows a complete monitoring of close surface situations, using radar indicators and tracking tables.

The engines of the P400 have been a constant source of technical problems since the maiden voyage of the lead ship L'Audacieuse to Dakar.

[4] One of the decommissioned vessels, La Tapageuse, was offered to the Philippine Coast Guard, and was estimated to cost about €6 million including the refurbishing works.

[7] These were to be delivered between 2022 and 2025 to protect the exclusive economic zone of French overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.