Originally developed in response to priorities outlined in France’s 2013 Defense White Paper, the Belharra-class frigate—known in Greek service as the Kimon-class FDI HN—is a new-generation surface combatant designed for high-intensity operations. Measuring 122 meters in length with a displacement of 4,500 tons, the frigates are equipped with a CODAD propulsion system that enables a top speed of 27 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The Greek variant is armed with 32 Sylver A50 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, a 21-cell RAM Block 2B launcher, MM40 Block 3C Exocet anti-ship missiles, MU90 torpedoes, a 76mm main gun, and CANTO anti-torpedo countermeasures.
Each vessel includes a flight deck and hangar designed to accommodate either an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter or a Schiebel Camcopter S-100 UAV. On the sensor side, they are equipped with the Sea Fire fixed-panel AESA radar, Kingklip hull sonar, CAPTAS-4 towed array sonar, and the PSIM (Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module), which has already been installed on the first unit.
The three initial frigates—HS Kimon, HS Nearchos, and HS Formion—are being built at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard, with significant industrial contributions from Greek partners, including Salamis Shipyards. HS Formion is scheduled to be launched on June 4, 2025. HS Kimon, launched in October 2023, is currently undergoing outfitting and will receive its final Standard-2 configuration directly in France. HS Nearchos, launched in September 2024, is in an advanced stage of integration.
The Standard-2 version provides fully integrated, multi-layered air defense capabilities from the outset. All three frigates are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, and the fourth unit could join the fleet by 2028. Greece has also procured five Camcopter S-100 UAVs to expand the frigates’ ISR capabilities beyond the radar horizon.
The acquisition of Belharra frigates is part of a broader naval modernization strategy presented at the Combined Naval Event 2024. This includes new corvette programs—some of which are planned for local construction—mid-life upgrades of the Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates, modernization of fast attack craft, evaluation of the U.S. Constellation-class under Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and development of special operations vessels such as the indigenous Agenor SOC.
The strategy aims to standardize platforms, reduce logistical costs, and improve fleet readiness. In this context, Franco-Greek naval cooperation is not only strategic from a defense standpoint but also contributes to the European defense industrial base. More than 23 contracts have already been signed with Greek companies, with another ten planned, supporting industrial relocalization, job creation, and skills development in Greece.
Unlike the French Navy’s Amiral Ronarc’h frigates, which are being delivered without certain systems such as RAM launchers or full electronic warfare suites, the Greek units are being outfitted with a more comprehensive armament and sensor package from the construction stage. This disparity has sparked debate in France but reflects Greece’s decision to equip its surface fleet with systems suited to high-threat environments.
Additionally, the future HS Themistocles is expected to feature Sylver A70 VLS launchers, enabling it to deploy MdCN (Naval Cruise Missiles) with strike ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers. For Greece, this collaboration with France represents both a capability upgrade and a form of strategic alignment within broader European defense initiatives such as the ReArm plan and the ongoing SAFE regulation discussions.