Naval Group takes next step in FDI HN program for Greece.

According to a PR published by Naval Group on October 21, 2022, the first block of the first FDI HN frigate (Defense and Intervention Frigate) for the Hellenic Navy was laid down in dry dock at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient.
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First block of the first FDI HN frigate, Lorient, France. (Picture source: Naval Group)

On 24th March 2022, Greece chose to equip its naval forces with three defence and intervention frigates, plus one optional, and their in-service support. The FDI HN, designed and produced by Naval Group in Lorient, will quickly and sustainably enhance the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy's surface fleet as they will be delivered in a very short timeframe, starting in 2025 for the first two units and in 2026 for the third one.

A major program for the Hellenic industry

Thanks to a robust cooperation plan with the Hellenic industry (HIP, Hellenic Industry Participation Plan), the FDI HN program offers numerous industrial opportunities for Greece, creating jobs and added value in the country. Naval Group's teams have already established numerous partnerships with Greek industrial players and signed various contracts with the Hellenic industry.

Naval Group’s Hellenic Industrial Participation plan will thus contribute to the construction of the FDI HN but also to the creation of a robust naval industrial ecosystem. The structured and longterm partnership proposed by Naval Group will foster production in Greece but also the capability to address future needs.

In this regard, on the 18th of October 2022, several contracts and framework agreements were signed between Naval Group and Greek companies during Euronaval, covering Platform and Combat Systems activities.

FDI HN, a powerful, innovative and cyber-secure multi-role combat frigate

The FDI HN features high-level capabilities in all warfare domains: anti-ship, anti-air, antisubmarine and special forces projection. Its air and surface protection are ensured by the most modern sensors, including the Thales Sea Fire, the first all-digital multifunction radar with an active antenna and fixed panels.

The FDI HN is equipped with a unique integrated mast that brings together all the airborne sensors, enabling permanent 360° surveillance. As the first frigate on the market to be natively protected against cyber threat, the FDI HN is equipped with two data centers hosting almost all of the ship's applications.

Technical specifications of the FDI HN:

 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 main armaments of the FDI HN are:

 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA
 8 Exocet MM40 B3C missiles developed by MBDA
 RAM missiles
 MU 90 torpedoes developed by Naval Group
 76 mm gun
 4 torpedo tubes
 CANTO counter measures developed by Naval Group