The Hellenic Navy officially received HS Kimon, the first Frigate of Defense and Intervention (FDI HN) built by Naval Group, during a ceremony held on December 18, 2025, in the French city of Lorient. The event was attended by Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin.
The delivery of HS Kimon marks a major milestone within the FDI HN program, under which Naval Group is to deliver four frigates to the Hellenic Navy. Following this first unit, two additional frigates are scheduled for delivery in 2026, while the fourth—contracted in November 2025—is expected to be delivered within an estimated three-year timeframe.
During the ceremony, Naval Group Chairman and CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet stated: “The delivery of the first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, represents an important milestone in our cooperation with Greece. We are proud to contribute our expertise to the sovereignty and naval superiority of the Hellenic Navy through the FDI frigates, which feature top-tier capabilities across all domains of warfare.”
A strategic Franco-Greek cooperation program
The delivery of HS Kimon took place two months after the commissioning of the first FDI frigate into service with the French Navy, underscoring the strategic nature of the program and the depth of naval cooperation between France and Greece. Beyond ship construction, the contract also includes an initial in-service support agreement, to be implemented jointly by Naval Group, its subsidiary Naval Group Hellas, and Greek industrial partners.
Maintenance and upgrade activities for the frigates will be carried out in close coordination with local industry, as part of a long-term industrial cooperation framework. In the case of the fourth FDI frigate, Naval Group confirmed that 25 percent of its value will consist of content developed by Greek companies.
Sea trials and operational readiness
Prior to delivery, HS Kimon began sea trials on May 21 in waters near Lorient, under the supervision of Greek naval authorities. These trials were structured in two phases, drawing on experience gained during the testing of the French Navy’s frigate Amiral Ronarc’h.
During the first phase, the main systems were validated, with particular emphasis on propulsion and navigation. This was followed by the evaluation of combat systems and long-endurance capabilities at sea—steps required for the vessel’s final acceptance by the Hellenic Navy.
Characteristics of the FDI frigates
The FDI frigates are first-rank warships designed to operate in high-intensity combat environments. They feature capabilities across the anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare domains, and are prepared to counter both current and emerging threats, including next-generation submarines, supersonic missiles, cyberattacks, and asymmetric actions.
Their compact design and architecture allow them to operate both independently and as part of a fleet, adapting to a wide range of maritime environments and adverse sea conditions.
With the commissioning of HS Kimon, the Hellenic Navy continues to advance the modernization of its surface fleet, while preparing to receive the remaining units of the FDI HN program in the coming years.
Images provided by Naval Group.
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