Sea trials begin for Hellenic Navy's lead FDI HN frigate

French shipbuilder the Naval Group has begun conducting sea trials of the first of three FDI frigates ordered from the company by the Hellenic Navy.

The future HS Kimon has a displacement of 4,500 tonnes, a length of approximately 122 metres, a beam of 18 metres, and a maximum speed of 27 knots. Armament will include surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and a 76mm naval gun.

Aviation facilities will also be available for use by a 10-tonne utility helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The Naval Group will provide the vessel with anti-torpedo countermeasures while Thales will install the radar, the sonar, and the electronic warfare systems.

The future Kimon and sister ship HS Nearchos will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy within this year while the third ship, the future HS Formion, will follow in 2026. The ships belong to the FDI HN sub-class, which was developed specifically to satisfy Hellenic Navy requirements.

The contracts between the Hellenic Government and the Naval Group also cover in-service support and include an option for a fourth frigate.