Naval Group Launches Third Hellenic FDI Frigate

The Hellenic Ship (HS) FORMION, the third frigate of the Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) program for Greece, was launched on June 4 during a ceremony at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France.

The formal launch followed the industrial float-out of HS FORMION on May 28. With this launch, all three Hellenic FDI frigates—HS KIMON, HS NEARCHOS, and HS FORMION—are now afloat on the Scorff River. HS KIMON is currently undergoing sea trials, while HS NEARCHOS is being outfitted in preparation for harbor trials later this year. All three frigates are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.

The program reflects ongoing defense collaboration between France and Greece. As part of the agreement, construction of certain ship blocks is taking place at the Salamis Shipyard in Greece, and approximately 70 Greek companies are involved in the supply chain. This includes the integration of several domestically-produced systems onboard the ships.

The FDI-class warships, designed for multiple mission profiles, are equipped to handle a range of threats. Displacing 4,500 tons and measuring around 122 meters in length, HS FORMION features systems for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-ship operations, and Special Forces deployment.

The ship is outfitted with Thales-developed radar (SeaFire), sonar, electronic warfare, and communication systems. Its weapons suite includes 32 Aster surface-to-air missiles, eight Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles, RAM surface-to-air missiles, MU90 torpedoes, and a 76 mm naval gun. The ship is also capable of hosting a 10-ton helicopter and a vertical take-off unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The FDI frigates are being built by Naval Group with support from Thales, MBDA, and various subcontractors.