First FDI Frigate for Hellenic Navy Starts Sea Trials

The first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, started her first sea trials on May 21st in Lorient. The ship capitalized on the experience gained during the sea trials of Amiral Ronarc’h the first of class for the French Navy.

Thanks to the experience gained during the Amiral Ronarc'h sea trials, the trials of HS Kimon will be performed much faster. The first period at sea will be mainly dedicated to test the platform systems including propulsion and navigation systems. The second period at sea, in a few weeks, will be dedicated to Combat systems and endurance at sea.

2025 marks a key milestone for the FDI programme, with sea trials and the upcoming delivery of the first frigate for the Hellenic Navy, along with the imminent launching of the third vessel, HS Formion. By 2026, the Hellenic Navy will operate three first-rank, multi-mission FDI frigates.

The FDI will enable the Hellenic Navy to ensure its maritime superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea thanks to her high-level capabilities in all areas of naval combat: anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-ship, and special forces projection, with unique capabilities against asymmetric threats. She also benefits from the latest Thales innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare.

Strongly armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3c anti-surface and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM system, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, artillery), the FDI for the Hellenic Navy embarks simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). She also benefits from the expertise of Thales, MBDA, and all our other partners and subcontractors.