The Hellenic Navy’s first FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigate, HS Kimon, has officially commenced sea trials off the coast of Lorient, France. Developed by Naval Group and tailored for Greece’s naval requirements, this milestone marks a critical step toward the frigate’s full operational capability.
The Kimon is the first of three FDI frigates ordered by the Hellenic Navy, with sea trials benefiting from insights gained during the earlier testing of Amiral Ronarc’h, the lead ship of the class built for the French Navy. Representatives from the Hellenic Navy are actively overseeing the trials from Naval Group’s site in Brittany.
The initial phase at sea is focused on evaluating platform systems such as propulsion and navigation. A second phase, planned in the coming weeks, will test combat systems and assess the ship’s endurance in extended operations.
A Major Leap for the FDI Program
The year 2025 marks a defining moment in the FDI program with the trials of HS Kimon, the expected delivery of the first ship to Greece, and the imminent launch of the third vessel, HS Formion. By 2026, the Hellenic Navy will operate three high-performance, multi-role frigates, significantly boosting its maritime dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities for Naval Superiority
Designed as an all-domain warfare frigate, the FDI-class vessel is equipped to counter both conventional and emerging threats. With superior anti-air, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and asymmetric warfare capabilities, HS Kimon stands as a strategic asset for the Hellenic Navy. Advanced sensors and weapons systems from Thales and MBDA, including the Aster missile family and Exocet MM40 B3c, reinforce its combat versatility.
Incorporating the latest digital design tools, the FDI is the first frigate class to feature a fully integrated digital architecture. This future-proof infrastructure supports incremental software and hardware upgrades, ensuring the ship remains combat-ready throughout its lifecycle.
The vessel is also cyber-resilient by design, equipped with dual redundant data centers hosting virtualized mission-critical systems. A dedicated gateway for asymmetric warfare enhances its ability to neutralize close-range surface and aerial threats.
Powerful and Versatile
Key specifications of HS Kimon:
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Displacement: 4,500 tons
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Length: ~122 meters
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Beam: 18 meters
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Speed: 27 knots
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Aviation facilities: Accommodates a 10-ton helicopter and VTOL UAVs
Armament includes:
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32 MBDA Aster missiles
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8 MBDA Exocet MM40 B3c anti-ship missiles
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RAM short-range air defense system
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76 mm naval gun
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MU90 torpedoes and CANTO decoy systems
The launch of sea trials for HS Kimon not only highlights the deepening defense cooperation between Greece and France but also demonstrates the Hellenic Navy’s commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities with cutting-edge technology and formidable firepower.
