“Unveiling the HS Kimon: The Hellenic Navy’s First FDI Frigate from Naval Group”
On October 4th, 2023, the inaugural ceremony for the first Hellenic ship (HS) Kimon unfolded at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient.
The ceremonial event occurred with the esteemed presence of Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, alongside his Greek counterpart, Nikolaos Dendias. The Chief Executive of the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), along with his Greek equivalent, and the Commanders of the French and Hellenic Navies General Staff also graced the occasion.
“Greece has bestowed honor upon Naval Group by selecting the FDI vessels to modernize its combat fleet for the Hellenic Navy. This launch signifies yet another vital milestone in our profound partnership with Greece, symbolizing the inaugural emergence of the HS KIMON frigate as it makes contact with the waters.
It also serves as a tangible representation of Naval Group’s commitment to fostering durable industrial collaboration with the Hellenic industry, strengthening each day. Naval Group takes pride in advancing collaboratively with all its French and Greek allies in this remarkable FDI journey,” stated Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group.
The launch of the FDI frigate Kimon is a significant industrial and symbolic achievement within the FDI initiative for the Hellenic Navy. The agreement for the acquisition of three frigates, with an additional optional one, was finalized with Greece on March 24, 2022. Production is underway for all three frigates. The inaugural pre-outfitted section of the second vessel, HS Nearchos, has just been positioned in the dry dock for keel laying, and the initial steel-cutting for the third HS Formion frigate took place on July 12, 2023. Upcoming phases for HS Kimon include the first sea trials scheduled for 2024, with delivery slated for 2025.
This occasion also underscores the achievements of the strong and enduring industrial partnership between France and Greece, as numerous Greek manufacturers are thoroughly integrated into Naval Group’s supply chain and were present in Lorient for the event.
An advanced, formidable, and digital frigate
The HS Kimon frigate is classified as a 4,500-ton class high-seas war vessel. Versatile and robust, it possesses exceptional capabilities across all naval warfare domains: anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special forces deployment, along with unique features to counter asymmetric threats. It incorporates Thales’ most recent advancements in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare technologies.
Heavily armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, RAM systems, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and artillery), the HS Kimon frigate is equipped to simultaneously carry a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Additionally, it benefits from the expertise of Thales, MBDA, and all other collaborators and subcontractors.
