The Defence and Intervention frigates or Fregate de Defense et d’Intervention (FDI) are advanced, high-performance surface vessels designed for the Hellenic Navy (HN).
The FDI HN programme consists of three frigates, including the Hellenic ship (HS) Kimon, HS Nearchos, and HS Formion.
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The first two FDI HN frigates will be delivered in 2025, followed by the third in 2026.
FDI HN frigates design and features
The FDI HN frigates have an approximate length of 122m, a width of 18m, and a displacement of 4,500t. The frigate has a maximum speed of 27 knots.
It will feature aviation facilities that can accommodate a 10t class helicopter and a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV).
As the first frigates on the market designed with native cybersecurity protection, the FDI HN frigates will feature two data centres that host nearly all the ship’s applications.
The FDI HN frigates will have advanced capabilities across all warfare domains, including anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special forces projection. They will also feature unique capabilities for countering asymmetric threats.
FDI HN frigates development details
France-based naval defence company Naval Group and missiles developer MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in September 2021 to begin negotiations for providing the HN with three FDI frigates and their equipment, along with an option for an additional frigate.
In March 2022, Naval Group signed contracts with Greece to build three FDI HN frigates, with an option for a fourth, including in-service support. The contracts also include the supply of MU90 torpedoes and CANTO countermeasures.
In the same month, MBDA signed a contract to supply air defence missiles and anti-ship missiles for three FDI HN frigates, with an option for a fourth frigate.
HS Kimon frigate construction details
In October 2022, the first block of the first FDI HN frigate, HS Kimon, was laid down in a dry dock at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient. HS Kimon was launched in October 2023, with her panoramic sensor and intelligence module (PSIM) installed in November 2023.
By the end of March 2024, the continuous machinery survey (CMS) was powered up on board, featuring the latest version with several capabilities specific to the HN. The first two Aster 30 vertical launching systems (A50 – Sylver) were installed in early April 2024.
The next steps for HS Kimon include its first sea trials, which are scheduled for 2024, and delivery in 2025.
HS Nearchos frigate construction details
The first pre-outfitted block of the second frigate, HS Nearchos, was moved to the dry dock for keel laying in October 2023.
In April 2024, HS Nearchos’ PSIM was moved to its shore-testing area for a five-month test period, during which many of its systems were activated. The PSIM will be installed on board HS Nearchos a few days after the frigate is launched, which is planned for the second half of 2024.
HS Formion frigate construction details
The steel cutting for the third frigate, HS Formion, took place in July 2023, while the keel of the frigate’s first block was laid in April 2024.
HS Formion’s PSIM is in the pre-outfitting stage, with cabling and equipment installation set to begin soon.
Sensors of FDI HN frigates
The air and surface defences of the frigates will be supported by state-of-the-art sensors, including the Thales Sea Fire, which is the first fully digital multifunction radar with an active antenna and fixed panels.
The FDI HN frigates will be equipped with a unique integrated mast that houses all airborne sensors, providing continuous 360° surveillance.
Weapons onboard FDI HN frigates
The FDI HN frigates will be armed with 32 Aster 30 B1 air defence missiles and eight MM40 Exocet Block 3C anti-ship missiles, both developed by MBDA. The frigates will also be equipped with RAM missiles.
Furthermore, the FDI HN frigates will be equipped with MU 90 torpedoes developed by the Naval Group. They will also feature a 76mm gun, four torpedo tubes, and CANTO countermeasures, all developed by Naval Group.
