“First of Its Kind: HS Kimon Joins Hellenic Navy’s Fleet from Naval Group”
On December 18, Naval Group successfully delivered HS Kimon, the inaugural defense and intervention frigate for the Hellenic Navy. This significant event was attended by prominent figures, including Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin. This delivery represents a pivotal achievement in Naval Group’s plan to supply a total of four FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigates to Greece.
“The arrival of HS Kimon marks a substantial milestone in our partnership with Greece,” stated Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group. “We take great pride in contributing our expertise to bolster the Hellenic Navy’s sovereignty and maritime superiority through the delivery of FDI frigates, known for their advanced capabilities in multiple combat domains.”
This handover of HS Kimon occurs just two months after the first FDI frigate was presented to the French Navy, highlighting the efficient pace of the production schedule. Greece is set to receive two more FDI frigates by 2026, with an additional vessel contracted in November anticipated for delivery within three years.
In conjunction with the shipbuilding initiative, the Hellenic Navy has entrusted Naval Group with the initial contract for providing in-service support for the FDI fleet. Maintenance and upgrading services will be conducted in close collaboration with Naval Group Hellas and local industrial partners, leveraging a construction methodology that facilitates the production of two frigates annually.
The FDI frigate is engineered for high-intensity operations, offering superior capabilities across various domains, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare. Its adaptable and versatile design equips it to confront present and future threats, such as advanced submarines, supersonic missiles, cyberattacks, and intricate asymmetric challenges, all while ensuring operational effectiveness in diverse environments and rough seas around the globe.
