Hellenic Navy’s second FDI frigate kicks off first sea trials

February 6, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The second FDI frigate HS Nearchos has started its first sea trials in Lorient, France, shipbuilder Naval Group revealed.

The FDI for the Hellenic Navy is a 4,500-tonne warship. This multipurpose vessel is designed to conduct operations such as anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-ship, and special forces projection, with unique capabilities against asymmetric threats. The ship also benefits from the latest Thales innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare.

View on Twitter.

The FD frigate has a length of approximately 122 meters and a width of 18 meters, with a maximum speed of 27 knots. It features aviation facilities capable of operating a 10-ton class helicopter as well as a VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The vessel’s main armaments include MBDA Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-missile missiles, RAM systems, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and artillery. The HS Nearchos is capable of embarking both a helicopter and a UAV simultaneously.

The three Hellenic frigates are at an advanced stage of production, as the third unit, HS Formion, whose keel laying of its first block took place in April 2025, has completed its hull assembly in August 2025. The launching ceremony for HS Nearchos took place in September 2024.