Naval Group Initiates the Build of HS Formion: The Hellenic Navy’s Next Generation Frigate Takes Shape
On April 15, 2024, the laying of the keel for the first section of the third Hellenic Ship (HS) Formion was conducted at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient. This event represents a significant milestone in the FDI initiative for the Hellenic Navy, as it signifies the commencement of the assembly process for the third vessel.
The keel laying for HS Formion is another remarkable accomplishment that showcases the robust and enduring industrial collaboration between France and Greece. For instance, SALAMIS SHIPYARDS successfully delivered several pre-outfitted hull segments in February, which were constructed in Greece at their yard on Salamina island, backed by comprehensive technology transfer from Naval Group. These segments are currently being assembled alongside other blocks of the HS Formion in Lorient.
The FDI HN program is progressing well. HS Kimon was launched in October 2023, her PSIM was set up in November, and the harbor trials commenced in early March, featuring the initial power-up of the ship’s Electrical Distribution system. The CMS was activated onboard by the end of March, equipped with the latest version that includes numerous Hellenic Navy specific functionalities. The first two Aster 30 Vertical Launching Systems (A50 – Sylver®) were installed in early April. The latter part of 2024 will concentrate on crucial milestones, including HS Kimon’s First Sea Going and the launching of HS Nearchos.
The PSIM for HS Nearchos has been relocated to its shore-testing site for a five-month evaluation phase, during which the configuration of numerous systems within the PSIM will take place. The PSIM will subsequently be mounted onboard HS Nearchos shortly after the frigate’s launch.
Pre-outfitting for HS Formion’s PSIM is currently underway. Cabling and the installation of equipment will commence shortly. The final hull block is under construction at Salamis Shipyards and is scheduled for delivery in July.
All three frigates are expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
FDI, the inaugural digital frigate
The FDI HS frigate is classified as a 4,500-ton high-seas war vessel. Efficient and adaptive, it boasts superior capabilities across all naval combat arenas: anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special forces projection, featuring distinctive skills against asymmetric threats. It is equipped with Thales’ most up-to-date advancements in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare.
Extensively armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, RAM missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and artillery), the FDI frigate accommodates both a helicopter and an aerial vehicle (UAV) simultaneously.
This vessel gains from the knowledge and expertise of all partners and subcontractors within Naval Group.
Technical specifications:
. Displacement: 4,500 tons
. Length: approximately 122 meters
. Width: 18 meters
. Maximum velocity: 27 knots
. Aviation facilities: 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
