Hellenic Navy’s first FDI frigate begins sea trials in France

The first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, started its first sea trials on May 21, 2025, in Lorient, French shipbuilder Naval Group revealed.

Developed to be operated by the Hellenic Navy, the FDI HS Kimon has begun its sea trials from the Naval Group site of Lorient, Brittany. The trials will be carefully attended by the Hellenic Navy representatives.

According to the company, the first period at sea will be mainly dedicated to testing the platform systems, including propulsion and navigation systems.

The second period at sea, in a few weeks, will be dedicated to combat systems and endurance at sea. The ship was launched in 2023.

The FDI frigate is a combat-ready ship capable of handling current and emerging threats. The ship has a displacement of approximately 4,500 tons. It measures around 122 meters in length and has a width of 18 meters. Its maximum speed is 27 knots.

The vessel will be equipped with the latest Thales innovations in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare. This is also the first frigate to benefit from an onboard digital architecture that will enable it to adapt continuously to technological and operational developments.

The vessel will be armed with MBDA Exocet MM40 B3c anti-surface and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM system, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and artillery. It will be able to embark simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). 

To remind, the second vessel in this class, HS Nearchos, was launched in September last year, while the keel-laying ceremony for the third ship, HS Formion, was held in April 2024.