Naval Group prepares to launch second Greek frigate Nearchos on September 19.

According to information published by Mer et Marine on September 5, 2024, Naval Group is set to launch the second Greek frigate, Nearchos, from its shipyard in Lorient, France. This follows the successful launch of the first frigate, Kimon, exactly one year ago, marking the progress in Greece's acquisition of three defense and intervention frigates (FDI) under a contract with the French defense company.
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Kimon-class (Defence and internvention) frigate Kimon. (Picture source: Naval Group)

The launch of Nearchos is scheduled for September 19, barring any last-minute technical issues or adverse weather conditions that could delay this complex maneuver. This development comes shortly after the French frigate Amiral Ronarc’h, the lead ship of the FDI program intended for the French Navy, began its sea trials.

About the FDI HN

The Kimon-class frigates, designated as FDI HN (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention for the Hellenic Navy), are a new class of warships developed for Greece as part of its naval modernization efforts. These ships are based on the French FDI frigate design but have been tailored to meet the specific needs of the Hellenic Navy.

The Kimon-class frigates are built to excel in multiple combat roles, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, along with special forces operations.

They are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced weapons and sensors, including MBDA's Exocet MM40 B3C missiles for surface targets and Aster missiles for air defense. Their defensive systems include RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) systems and MU90 torpedoes for submarine threats. The frigates also feature a 76 mm main gun, four torpedo tubes, and electronic warfare capabilities.

The ships are designed to support a 10-ton helicopter and a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Construction of the Kimon-class frigates is underway, with the first ship, HS Kimon (F601), launched on October 4, 2023, at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France. This marked the first significant addition to Greece's surface fleet in over two decades, underscoring the importance of the program. Following the launch of HS Kimon, the second and third ships, HS Nearchos (F602) and HS Formion (F603), are in various stages of construction, with commissioning expected between 2025 and 2026.

The Kimon-class frigates are intended to replace older vessels, such as the Elli-class frigates. The new ships are well-equipped to handle contemporary maritime challenges in the strategically important Eastern Mediterranean region.