Naval Group splashes Hellenic Navy’s third FDI frigate (VIDEO)

French shipbuilding major Naval Group has launched the third FDI frigate, HS FORMION, built for the Hellenic Navy.

The launching event took place at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient on June 4, 2025. The industrial launch was conducted on May 28th. All three FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy are now afloat on the Scorff River, marking an important milestone in the program. 

The three Hellenic frigates are now at an advanced stage of production. HS KIMON is undergoing sea trials, and HS NEARCHOS has been transferred to the right bank for outfitting activities before harbor trials that will start after the summer.

HS FORMION and its sisterships incorporate several equipment made in Greece.  The construction of blocks of the FDI series was carried out by the Salamis shipyard in Greece. Around 70 Greek companies were integrated into Naval Group’s supply chain.

The three frigates will be delivered in 2025 and 2026.

The FDI frigates have a displacement of 4,500 tons and measure approximately 122 meters in length with a width of 18 meters.

These modern warships are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 27 knots. They are equipped with aviation facilities that can support a 10-ton class helicopter as well as a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), enhancing their operational flexibility and reconnaissance capabilities.

Heavily armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3c anti-surface and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, artillery), HS FORMION can simultaneously embark a helicopter and a UAV.

The vessel also benefits from Thales’ innovations in radar (SeaFire), sonar, electronic warfare and communications systems.