On 14 November 2025, Major General Ioannis Bouras, Director General of the Hellenic General Directorate of Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), and Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, signed the contract for the construction of an additional Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) for the Hellenic Navy.
The agreement provides for the acquisition of a fourth FDI frigate and its maintenance, along with expanded additional capabilities for the entire FDI HN fleet of the Hellenic Navy. This new unit continues the FDI HN program launched in 2022, which initially included the delivery of three frigates and an option for a fourth, within the framework of an industrial cooperation plan with Greece. The first three units are under construction, and the first is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025.
“We are deeply honored by Greece’s order of this fourth FDI frigate. With the first three already at an advanced stage of production, this order is a sign of trust and a confirmation of the Hellenic Navy’s satisfaction with these first-rank vessels. We will continue to deploy our expertise in support of the sovereignty and naval superiority of the Hellenic Navy,” stated Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.
Naval Group also confirmed its commitment to increasing local industrial participation, reaching 25% of the value of the FDI HN4 through work carried out by Greek companies.
A strategic decision for Greek naval modernization
In late September, the Government of Greece announced its decision to exercise the option for the fourth FDI frigate —classified by the Hellenic Navy as the Kimon class— which will be named HS Themistocles (F-600). The measure, presented after the meeting of the Government Council for National Security Affairs (KYSEA), will be submitted for a vote in the Hellenic Parliament.
The contract, valued at 982 million euros, includes the construction of the new unit and the modernization of the three frigates already ordered —HS Kimon, HS Nearhos, and HS Formion— to the 2++ standard, incorporating upgrades to combat systems, sensors, UAV integration, and future cruise-missile launch capability under the European ELSA program.
The initial program, signed in March 2022 for USD 5 billion, already included the construction of four FDI frigates at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France, with participation from Greek industry.
Regarding the current status of the program, the first unit, HS Kimon (F-601), will be delivered at the end of 2025 under the 1 standard. Its upgrade to the 2+ standard is planned for 2027, and to 2++ for 2029. The second unit, HS Nearhos (F-602), launched in September 2024, is undergoing system integration and harbor trials, with delivery scheduled for 2025. The third frigate, HS Formion (F-603), began construction with keel laying in April 2024, and its delivery is planned for 2026.
FDI frigate capabilities
The FDI frigate is a first-rank combat vessel designed for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and asymmetric threat response. Its design incorporates digital technologies and advanced data-processing systems, enabling independent operations or integration within a fleet against emerging threats such as next-generation submarines, supersonic missiles, or cyberattacks.
The ship’s compact design and architecture allow it to operate in a variety of maritime environments, including rough seas and archipelagic waters. Its performance in severe conditions was demonstrated during sea trials of the French frigate Admiral Ronarc’h, including navigation in sea state 7 in the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition, the integrated automated systems on board allow the frigate to operate with a reduced crew, optimizing operational availability and maintenance cycles. Like other Naval Group vessels intended for export, the FDI is designed according to NATO standards, ensuring interoperability with allied forces.
Cover image by Ewan Lebourdais – Official Painter of the French Navy.
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