Hellenic Navy bolstered by more frigates

Following the arrival of the first FDI frigate, HS Kimon, in Greece in January 2026, attention is now focused on the next vessels in the programme: HS Nearchos, HS Formion, and HS Themistocles.

According to Naval Group, sea trials for HS Nearchos began in February 2026. Final acceptance testing and readiness activities are scheduled for the second half of the year, with delivery expected around October.

Meanwhile, HS Formion, the third FDI frigate destined for Greece, began its first sea trials on June 22. The initial two-week testing period is focused on safety, propulsion, speed, and manoeuvrability. Naval Group noted that thanks to its advanced production process, key combat system sensors can already be evaluated during this first trial phase.

The company highlighted that Formion incorporates a significant amount of equipment produced by Greek industry under its Hellenic Industrial Participation (HIP) programme. Greek suppliers involved include AKMON, METLEN, KAFKAS, Marita Hellas, MEVACO, Salamis Shipyards, and Viking Norsafe Hellas. The vessel is expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.

Construction is also advancing on HS Themistocles, the fourth FDI frigate ordered in November 2025. Pre-equipped blocks manufactured entirely by Salamis Shipyards have already been assembled, while hull construction, outfitting, propulsion systems, insulation, piping, electrical installations, and painting work continue. Development of the vessel’s Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM) is progressing in parallel.

Designed for High-Intensity Naval Warfare

Naval Group describes the FDI as a next-generation frontline frigate capable of operating across the full spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-air, anti-submarine, surface warfare, and asymmetric threat environments.

The warships are designed to counter modern threats such as advanced submarines, hypersonic missiles, cyberattacks, and complex hybrid warfare scenarios while operating independently or as part of a larger naval task force.

Key specifications include:

• Displacement: 4,500 tonnes
• Length: 122 metres
• Beam: 18 metres
• Maximum speed: 27 knots
• Endurance: 45 days
• Capacity: 125 crew plus 28 additional personnel

Greek Industry Plays Expanding Role

Since the signing of the Hellenic Industrial Participation agreement in 2022, more than 120 contracts have been awarded to approximately 70 Greek companies supporting both Greek and French FDI programmes.

Naval Group says the initiative has generated long-term benefits for Greece’s defence sector by integrating local firms into its global supply chain. Currently, 75 Greek companies are registered on the company’s supplier platform.

The French shipbuilder has also expanded cooperation with Greek industry beyond the frigate programme. In March 2026, Naval Group and METLEN signed a memorandum of understanding covering future submarine and surface vessel projects.

The company also hosted an R&D Partners Day in Athens, bringing together around 100 representatives from Greek defence companies, research centres, laboratories, and universities to explore new technology partnerships and European defence initiatives.

Further industrial agreements were signed in May with MEVACO and AKMON for the production of shipboard equipment, including more than 50 electronic consoles and cabinets for each of the four FDI frigates.

Salamis Shipyards has become a key partner in the programme, with 15 of the 21 ordered ship sections already delivered. Additional sections are scheduled for delivery later this year, supporting the continued construction of FDI frigates for both Greece and international customers.

As Greece modernises its naval fleet, the arrival of Nearchos and Formion later this year will significantly strengthen the Hellenic Navy’s capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.