Naval Group signs contracts to support Greece’s defense industry

French shipbuilding major Naval Group has strengthened its commitment in favor of the Greek defense industry through the signature of new partnership agreements with six Hellenic companies in the frame of the Hellenic Industrial Participation (HIP) plan.

As disclosed, four agreements were inked as part of the support for Hellenic Navy’s FDI frigates, while two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed regarding the integration of drones on surface ships, beyond the FDI HN program. The signing took place at this year’s Defense Exhibition Athens (DEFEA).

One of the MoUs was penned with ALTUS LSA to cooperate in UAVs’ marinization and integration on navy ships (FDI frigates, Gowind corvettes and other surface ships).

On the other hand, Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI)signed an MoU with Naval Group to initiate discussions on the integration of the Centaur C-UAS system on the FDI platform, and later to other surface ship platforms.

Meanwhile, four other framework contracts signed at DEFEA aim to support the future maintenance and operation of the FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy in Greece.

These agreements include the following: FARAD will provide services for the HVAC systems; Diving Status will be responsible for underwater hull inspection and cleaning; MPD Greece will support the diesel engines; and PETROS PETROPOULOS will handle services related to the diesel generators.

The first FDI frigate HS Kimon was launched in 2023, while the second unit HS Nearchos was floated out in September last year.

Technical features of the ships 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 three frigates are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.