HS Formion: Hellenic Navy’s Future Frigate Begins Its Journey!
On April 15, 2024, the keel laying for the initial segment of the third Hellenic Ship (HS) Formion took place at the Naval Group shipyard located in Lorient. This occasion marks a significant achievement in the FDI program for the Hellenic Navy, indicating the initiation of the assembly process for this third vessel.
The keel installation for HS Formion is another noteworthy triumph that exemplifies the strong and lasting industrial partnership between France and Greece. For example, SALAMIS SHIPYARDS successfully delivered several pre-outfitted hull segments in February, constructed in Greece at their facility on Salamina island, supported by extensive technology transfer from Naval Group. Currently, these segments are being assembled alongside other blocks of HS Formion in Lorient.
The FDI HN program is progressing smoothly. HS Kimon was launched in October 2023, her PSIM was established in November, and harbor trials began in early March, which included the initial power-up of the ship’s Electrical Distribution system. The CMS was activated onboard by the end of March, featuring the latest version equipped with various functionalities specific to the Hellenic Navy. The first two Aster 30 Vertical Launching Systems (A50 – Sylver®) were installed in early April. The latter half of 2024 will focus on critical milestones, including HS Kimon’s first sea trial and the launch of HS Nearchos.
The PSIM for HS Nearchos has been transferred to its shore-testing facility for a five-month evaluation period, during which various system configurations will be addressed. After the frigate’s launch, the PSIM will be installed onboard HS Nearchos.
Currently, pre-outfitting for the PSIM of HS Formion is in progress, with cabling and equipment installation set to begin soon. The last hull block is currently being constructed at Salamis Shipyards, scheduled for delivery in July.
All three frigates are anticipated to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
FDI, the first digital frigate
The FDI HS frigate is classified as a 4,500-ton high-seas military vessel. Agile and efficient, it possesses advanced capabilities across all naval combat domains: anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special forces deployment, featuring unique skills against asymmetric threats. It is outfitted with Thales’ latest technologies in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare.
Heavily armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, RAM missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and artillery), the FDI frigate can simultaneously accommodate both a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
This vessel benefits from the expertise and knowledge of all partners and subcontractors within the Naval Group.
Technical specifications:
. Displacement: 4,500 tons
. Length: approximately 122 meters
. Width: 18 meters
. Maximum speed: 27 knots
. Aviation capabilities: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
Main armaments:
. 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 countermeasures developed by Naval Group
