The Hellenic Navy has taken delivery of HS Kimon, its first French-built FDI frigate, marking a major step in Greece’s naval modernization and deepening the strategic defense partnership with France.
The Hellenic Navy has officially taken delivery of HS Kimon, its first French-built Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) frigate, during a formal handover ceremony held on December 18, 2025, at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard in France. Senior officials from both countries attended the event, underscoring the strategic depth of the Franco-Greek naval partnership underpinning the program.
The FDI HN is the export variant of France’s latest generation of digitally optimized surface combatants, adapted specifically to meet the operational requirements of the Hellenic Navy. While derived from the French Navy’s Amiral Ronarc’h-class, the Greek version incorporates tailored enhancements, including strengthened air-defense capabilities, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and configurations optimized for high-intensity operations in the complex security environment of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The program stems from a landmark defense agreement signed by Greece and France on September 28, 2021, covering the acquisition of three FDI frigates with an option for a fourth, which Greece exercised in 2025. Valued at more than €3 billion, the contract includes ship construction, integrated weapon systems, crew training, spare parts, and long-term in-service support. The agreement also features a mutual defense clause, reinforcing strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Named after the ancient Athenian admiral Kimon, HS Kimon represents a major capability upgrade for the Hellenic Navy. Designed for operations in high-threat environments, the frigate combines advanced combat systems within a compact and stealth-optimized hull, enabling multi-domain missions across anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare roles.
The vessel is equipped with Naval Group’s Sea Fire radar, MBDA Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, and Exocet anti-ship missiles, providing a high level of lethality and situational awareness. Its fully digital combat architecture supports network-centric warfare, making HS Kimon one of the most advanced and connected frigates in its class.
Built with survivability and adaptability as core design principles, the FDI features modular systems that allow rapid upgrades and mission reconfiguration. The ship includes a full sensor and electronic countermeasure suite, a hangar capable of operating a 10-ton-class helicopter, and an integrated command system suitable for NATO and EU-led naval operations. According to naval sources, the ship’s systems have already been tested against scenarios involving drone swarms, hypersonic threats, and cyber warfare.
Industrial cooperation is a key element of the program. Naval Group has established Naval Group Hellas to work with more than 50 Greek defense and shipbuilding companies. Initial in-service support will be provided by the French firm, with long-term maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment gradually transferred to Greece to strengthen domestic defense industry capabilities.
The FDI program is central to the wider strategic defense partnership between France and Greece. While the French Navy operates a heavier FDI variant optimized for blue-water missions, the Hellenic Navy’s version retains the same core capabilities with modifications tailored to Eastern Mediterranean operational demands.
HS Kimon was built on an accelerated schedule using modular construction methods and digital twin technologies, allowing completion in under three and a half years. Sea trials were concluded ahead of schedule, with two additional FDI frigates set for delivery in 2026 and a fourth expected to join the fleet by 2028.
Defense analysts see the acquisition as part of Greece’s broader naval modernization effort, aimed at countering growing regional naval capabilities. In this context, HS Kimon serves both as a powerful operational asset and a strategic signal of Greece’s commitment to maritime security and technological superiority.
Naval Group regards the FDI class as a cornerstone of its export strategy, actively promoting the platform to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its emphasis on digital integration, scalability, and full-spectrum combat capability positions it strongly in the competitive global frigate market.
The commissioning of HS Kimon marks a significant milestone for the Hellenic Navy, introducing a new generation of intelligent, networked warships designed to operate seamlessly with allied forces and respond effectively to evolving maritime threats.
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