A new chapter in Greece’s naval power has officially begun in the historic shipyards of Lorient, France, as the Kimon, the Hellenic Navy’s inaugural FDI HN (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention Hellenic Navy) frigate, embarked on its maiden sea trials.
This pivotal moment heralds a significant leap forward in Greece’s strategic capabilities within the vital Eastern Mediterranean.
Crafted by the renowned Naval Group, the Kimon’s initial voyages are not navigating uncharted waters. The vessel is directly benefiting from the invaluable insights and lessons gleaned during the rigorous sea trials of the Amiral Ronarc’h, the French Navy’s own lead ship of this advanced class.
This strategic leveraging of experience underscores a deep collaborative spirit, ensuring the Hellenic Navy’s custom-designed frigate undergoes a meticulously refined and highly efficient testing phase.
A gauntlet of trials awaits Greece’s Kimon frigate
The initial period at sea is dedicated to a meticulous examination of the frigate’s foundational platform systems, including its critical propulsion and navigation capabilities. This will be followed, in a matter of weeks, by a second, equally rigorous phase, focusing on the sophisticated combat systems and the vessel’s overall sea endurance.
Representatives from the Hellenic Navy are on hand, closely observing every maneuver and data point, ensuring the Kimon not only meets but exceeds stringent requirements.
For the FDI program, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year. As the Kimon undergoes its final preparations for imminent delivery, the third frigate in the series, the Formion, is also on the cusp of its own launch.
The frigates bear the names of Kimon (Greek: Κίμων), an admiral in Alexander the Great‘s army who gained fame for his valor in the naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, Nearchos (Greek: Νέαρχος), an admiral in the Athenian army before and during the Peloponnesian War, and Phormionas (Greek: Φορμίων), an admiral and commander of Athens.
By 2026, the Hellenic Navy anticipates commanding a formidable trio of these first-class, multi-mission FDI frigates, a force multiplier that will profoundly enhance its operational reach and defensive posture across the region.
Unrivaled prowess against evolving threats
The FDI HN frigate is engineered as a formidable guardian against both present and future maritime challenges, Naval Group says. It adds that the vessel is a versatile and resilient high-seas ship, designed to ensure Greece’s naval supremacy in the Eastern Mediterranean through its exceptional capabilities across every domain of naval combat:
- Anti-air warfare: Dominating the skies.
- Anti-submarine warfare: Policing the depths.
- Anti-ship warfare: Projecting power across the surface.
- Power projection: Extending influence far beyond its immediate vicinity.
Crucially, Naval Group notes, the FDI also possesses unique, advanced defenses against asymmetric threats, a vital asset in today’s unpredictable maritime landscape. Its cutting-edge systems are further bolstered by Thales’ latest breakthroughs in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare technology.
Greece and France’s defense cooperation
Greece and France have significantly strengthened their defense cooperation in recent years, particularly through a landmark defense agreement signed in September 2021.
This agreement includes a crucial mutual defense clause, committing both nations to provide military support in the event of an armed attack on either country. This pact is seen as a key step in bolstering European defense autonomy and addressing regional security concerns, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Beyond the FDI HN frigates, which are a cornerstone of this cooperation, Greece has also made other significant procurements from France:
- Rafale Fighter Jets: Greece has acquired 24 Rafale warplanes (a mix of new and second-hand units) from Dassault Aviation. These advanced multi-role fighter jets significantly enhance the Hellenic Air Force’s capabilities.
- Exocet MM40 B3c Missiles: In April 2025, Greece signed a deal to purchase 16 Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles from France, further boosting its naval strike capabilities. These missiles are intended to equip various Hellenic Navy vessels, including the Roussen-class fast attack missile boats.
- NH-90 Military Helicopters: France is also supplying Greece with NH-90 military helicopters, contributing to the Hellenic Armed Forces’ rotary-wing assets.
- Potential for a Fourth Frigate: Discussions are ongoing for the acquisition of a fourth FDI HN frigate, potentially named HS Themistocles, which would further expand Greece’s modern naval fleet. Naval Group has even proposed the possibility of local construction for additional frigates in Greece, fostering industrial cooperation.
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