First Hellenic Navy Frigate On Sea Trials

HS Kimon, the first of at least three FDI frigates being delivered to the Hellenic Navy, is now undergoing her sea trials off the coast of Brittany, Naval Group has announced.

As per a recent company press statement, the initial tests of Kimon will put her propulsion and navigation systems through their paces; a second phase scheduled within the coming weeks will focus more heavily on her combat systems and endurance capabilities.

The trials are being informed by those of the first-in-class for the French Navy, FS Amiral Ronarc’h. They are therefore expected to be far shorter in duration than those of the French vessel.

Following the conclusion of the trials Kimon will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy by the end of 2025; her sister vessels HS Nearchos and HS Formion are expected to follow in short order, with the launch of HS Formion understood to be imminent. Greece also has an option to acquire a fourth FDI frigate as part of the deal with Naval Group.

The FDI (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention or Defence and Intervention Frigate) boats are a little over 120 metres long and displace around 4,500 tonnes. Featuring Thales radar, sonar and electronic warfare suites, they are equipped for a range of air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions, including special forces projection and asymmetric threat defence capabilities.

They sport MBDA-developed Aster and Exocet missiles, RAM missiles, a 76mm gun and carry MU 90 torpedoes launched from four tubes. An FDI vessel can launch a medium-sized helicopter — usually an NH90 or H169M — from her flight deck, as well as VTOL uncrewed air systems. 

The Naval Group press statement noted: “Designed for first-rank navies aiming at ensuring their sovereignty, the FDI is a combat-ready ship capable of handling current and emerging threats.

“A multipurpose and resilient high-sea vessel, she will enable the Hellenic Navy to ensure its maritime superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea thanks to her high-level capabilities in all areas of naval combat.”

• You can read more details about the vessels on the Naval Group website