VIDEO | Hellenic Navy's third FDI frigate hits the water

French shipbuilder the Naval Group has launched the final one of three FDI frigates ordered from the company by the Hellenic Navy, the Naval Group confirmed via social media late last week.

Upon completion, the future HS Formion will have 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.

Formion is scheduled for delivery to Greece in 2026. Sister ships HS Kimon, which recently completed sea trials, and HS Nearchos will be handed over before the end of this year. The three ships belong to the FDI HN sub-class, which was developed specifically to satisfy Hellenic Navy requirements.

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