Greece and Naval Group Forge Historic Agreement for Three Cutting-Edge Frigates
On March 24, 2022, Greece and Naval Group formalized agreements for three defense and intervention frigates, along with one optional vessel, and their operational support. The initial two FDI HN (Hellenic Navy) will be delivered in 2025, with the third scheduled for 2026.
A New Milestone in the Strategic Alliance with Greece
In line with the defense treaty established last October between Greece and France, the Greek authorities have finalized two contracts with Naval Group for the procurement of three Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI HN), plus one optional frigate, in addition to their operational support. The agreements also encompass the provision of MU90 torpedoes and CANTO countermeasures.
Today’s signing in Athens was executed by Vice-Admiral (rtd) Aristeidis Alexopoulos, Director General of the General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments, and Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, witnessed by Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos and Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France.
“Naval Group takes pride, alongside our French industrial collaborators Dassault, MBDA, and Thales, to partake in this new chapter of the strategic relationship between Greece and France. Greece has embraced the latest generation of frigates that encapsulate the pinnacle of French naval expertise, thereby augmenting the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy. This frigate program serves as the first of many initiatives in the collaborative journey between Naval Group and the Hellenic Navy, contributing to the enhancement of our nations, naval forces, and industries for many years ahead.”
Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naval Group
The FDI HN is poised to quickly and sustainably bolster the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy’s surface fleet, scheduled for delivery in a swift timeframe, starting with the first two units in 2025 and the third in 2026.
A Significant Initiative for the Hellenic Industry
Naval Group has proposed a comprehensive cooperation strategy (HIP, Hellenic Industry Participation Plan) to generate opportunities for Greek industry, research entities, and academic institutions, fostering job creation and skills development in the nation.
As part of the frigate program, Naval Group’s teams have engaged with Greek partners for several months to forge collaborations with local manufacturers for the construction and operational support of the ships. Our aim is to finalize the first agreements within the forthcoming months. Furthermore, this cooperation plan includes a segment dedicated to the advancement of European R&D projects, working in conjunction with Greek and European stakeholders.
The FDI HN boasts exceptional capabilities across all combat domains: anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special operations force deployment. Its air and surface defenses are safeguarded by state-of-the-art sensors, including the Thales Sea Fire, the pioneering all-digital multifunction radar equipped with an active antenna and fixed panels.
Equipped with a singular integrated mast that consolidates all aerial sensors, the FDI HN enables continuous 360° surveillance. As the first frigate available on the market intrinsically designed to guard against cyber threats, the FDI HN features dual data centers hosting nearly all operational applications of the vessel.
Technical Specifications of the FDI HN
- Displacement: 4,500 tons
- Length: 122 meters
- Beam: 18 meters
- Maximum speed: 27 knots
- Operational availability: 3,500 hours annually
- Aviation facility: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
The primary armaments of the FDI HN include:
- 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA
- 8 Exocet MM40 B3C missiles designed by MBDA
- RAM missiles
- MU 90 torpedoes produced by Naval Group
- 76 mm gun
- 4 torpedo tubes
- CANTO countermeasures created by Naval Group
