The Hellenic Navy has received its first FDI frigate, HS Kimon (F601), from France’s Naval Group, reinforcing Greece’s naval modernization efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean. Following its official handover in Lorient, the warship will proceed to Brest for installation of key weapons and combat systems ahead of its deployment to Greece.
HS Kimon is expected to arrive at the Salamina Naval Base by early 2026 after completing weapons integration and trials. Delivered initially in a baseline Standard 1 configuration, the frigate will be progressively upgraded to Standard 2++ by 2029, incorporating enhanced combat management, sensors, and defensive capabilities.
Naval Group plans to deliver Nearhos (F602) and Formion (F603) to Greece by 2026, with a fourth vessel, Themistocles (F600), scheduled for delivery in 2028. France remains the lead nation for the FDI program, while Greece holds the distinction of being the platform’s first international customer.
Referred to globally as the Belharra-class, the 122-meter FDI frigates are optimized for multi-domain naval warfare, replacing aging Elli-class frigates in Greek service. Naval Group, together with Naval Group Hellas and local industry partners, will provide in-service support, while evaluating the future deployment of unmanned aerial and surface systems aboard Greek naval vessels.
