French company Naval Group announced that the second FDI frigate built for the Hellenic Navy has taken a new step toward its future delivery, following confirmation that HS Nearchos (F-602) began its first sea trials after departing from Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France. This milestone marks further progress within Greece’s ambitious surface fleet modernization program.
The FDI frigate HS Nearchos has launched its initial sea trial campaign with the aim of verifying the proper functioning of its main propulsion, navigation, command, and steering systems, as well as assessing the vessel’s overall performance under real operating conditions. These trials constitute a fundamental stage prior to the progressive integration of more complex combat systems and sensors.
The FDI frigates currently being incorporated by the Hellenic Navy have an approximate displacement of 4,500 tons and are conceived as multi-role platforms capable of carrying out air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and special forces projection missions, with particular emphasis on countering asymmetric threats. In this regard, the design incorporates Thales’ latest solutions in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems, providing the class with a high level of situational awareness.
In terms of dimensions and technical details, the frigate measures approximately 122 meters in length and 18 meters in beam, with a top speed of around 27 knots. It also features facilities enabling the operation of embarked helicopters weighing up to 10 tons, as well as vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles, significantly expanding its operational reach and surveillance and combat capabilities.
In parallel with the progress of HS Nearchos, the Greek FDI program continues to show steady advancement. The third unit, HS Formion (F-603), completed hull assembly in August 2025, after its first keel block was laid in April of the same year, and its delivery is scheduled for 2026. It is worth recalling that the launching ceremony of HS Nearchos took place in September 2024, marking the beginning of the final construction phase.
Additionally, it should be noted that the sea trials of this second frigate come just weeks after the arrival in Greece of the first unit of the class, HS Kimon (F-601), and take place within a broader context of strengthening the Hellenic Navy, which has already confirmed the option for the construction of a fourth FDI frigate, to be named HS Themistocles (F-600). In this way, Greece consolidates one of the most significant naval programs in the Eastern Mediterranean, aimed at renewing its surface capabilities in an increasingly demanding regional environment.
You may also like: The Hellenic Air Force could request the purchase of new C-130J-30 Super Hercules from the U.S.
