Today, the Union’s Admiralty Board announced the discontinuation of “Gallant”-class destroyer in a press conference. The warships were quickly commissioned, after the establishment of the Gallic Confederacy, by removing the “Warwolf” cannon, which was one of the requirements imposed upon Gallia following the fall of the Monarchy. “Despite them being known as the 'workhorses' that stopped the recent Kusarian invasion, the ships are just a limited version of the previous 'Triumph' class and as such do not live up to the highest standards set by the Navy” - said a spokesman for the Gallic Navy, Pierre Bouvier.
The decision has been made as a part of the recent modernisation and specialisation campaign launched by the Admiralty to bolster the effectiveness of Gallic Navy. During the 743 invasion by the Reformed Empire of Kusari, the 'Gallants' underperformed, in battles, due to being devoid of their core design advantage of the 'Warwolf'. To overcome this shortfall, the Gallic Navy is reintroducing the superior 'Triumph-class' but without reliance on their forward cannons. Instead, the ships will be equipped with specialised modules depending on particular mission’s needs, such as a radio-electronic warfare module, a stealth detection module or a new generation of artillery. This new design will provide the Navy a greater improvised flexibility and not pure reliance on firepower. The 'Gallants' currently in service will continue in service, but will gradually be upgraded to the new design.
Some analysts have raised concerns that the return to 'Triumph' class destroyers, capable of mounting devastating weaponry, might be seen as the breach of the post-war agreement, by Gallia, to refrain from the use of these weapons. However, the Union’s Admiralty Board has dismissed these concerns. Monsieur Bouvier stated - “The Gallic Union is committed to peace and stability within our House and beyond". "The introduction of the new generation of 'Triumph' class is a purely domestic matter for Gallia and is meant to uphold this peace by preventing the encroachment of foreign belligerents on our freedom and sovereignty". "The unexpected aggression of Kusari has taught us to be always ready and have the best cards up our sleeves". "The new design is one of such cards". "Ci vis pacem, para bellum".