September 20, 2024

Naval Group launches second Defence and Intervention Frigate for Hellenic Navy

By Defence Industry Europe

French shipbuilder Naval Group has launched the second Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) for the Hellenic Navy, HS Nearchos, at its shipyard in Lorient. The launch ceremony, held on 19 September, was attended by prominent officials including Nikolaos Dendias, Greece’s Minister of National Defence, and General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta from the French General Armament Directorate.

HS Nearchos joins her sister ship, HS Kimon, which is currently undergoing harbour trials. Both ships will be followed by a third frigate, HS Formion, which is progressing through its construction phase. The three frigates are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026.

The FDI frigates, weighing 4,500 tonnes, are highly versatile warships designed for a wide range of naval combat, including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-ship operations. They are equipped with advanced systems, such as MBDA Exocet missiles, Aster anti-missile systems, and cutting-edge radar and sonar technology from Thales. These ships reflect the strong industrial cooperation between France and Greece, with several components made in Greece.

Once fully operational, HS Nearchos will help the Hellenic Navy maintain maritime superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Key specifications of the FDI frigates include a length of approximately 122 metres, a maximum speed of 27 knots, and the capacity to carry both helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).