Naval Group lays keel of Hellenic Navy’s third FDI frigate

French shipbuilder Naval Group has held a keel-laying ceremony for the first block of the third Hellenic Ship (HS) Formion.

As disclosed, the ceremony took place at Naval Group shipyard in Lorient on April 15, 2024. This step is a symbolic milestone in the FDI program for the Hellenic Navy, as it marks the beginning of the third ship’s assembly process, according to Naval Group.

Technical features of the ship include:

. Displacement: 4,500 tons;
. Length: approx. 122 meters;
. Width: 18 meters;
. Maximum speed: 27 knots;
. Aviation facilities: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The ship features 32 Aster missiles and 8 Exocet MM40 B3C missiles developed by MBDA, RAM missiles, MU 90 torpedoes and CANTO counter measures developed by Naval Group, 76 mm gun and 4 torpedo tubes. With this strong armament, the FDI frigate can embark simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of aerial vehicle.

Defence company Thales’ provided innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare for the FDI frigate.

Greek shipbuilder Salamis Shipyards has already delivered in February several pre-outfitted hull blocks which were built in Greece in its yard of Salamina island through a comprehensive transfer of technology provided by Naval Group. These blocks are now in the process of being assembled in Lorient with the other blocks of the HS Formion.

The FDI HN program is moving forward. HS Kimon was launched in October 2023. Its PSIM was installed in November, and harbor trials have started early March, with the Electrical Distribution system power-up of the ship.

The CMS has been powered-up on board by the end of March with the latest version featuring many Hellenic Navy specific capabilities.

Meanwhile, the first 2 Aster 30 Vertical Launching Systems (A50 – Sylver), have been installed early April. The second half of 2024 will focus on very important milestones with HS Kimon first sea going and launching of HS Nearchos.

HS Nearchos’ PSIM has been transferred to its shore-testing area for a 5-month test period. during which setting-to-work of many systems of the PSIM will be performed. The PSIM will then be installed onboard HS Nearchos a few days after launching the frigate.

HS Formion’s PSIM is being pre-outfitting. Cabling and outfitting of equipment will start soon. The last hull block is under construction in Salamis Shipyards and will be delivered in July.

The three frigates will be delivered in 2025 and 2026.