Kimon’ Makes History
The first Greek FDI frigate, ‘Kimon’, began sea trials in Lorient on May 21, leveraging lessons from the French Amiral Ronarc’h.
- Phase 1: Testing propulsion and navigation systems.
- Phase 2: Combat systems and operational endurance.
Delivery in December 2025 will mark a new era of modernization and naval capability for the Hellenic Navy.
Absolute Naval Superiority
FDI frigates are multi-mission vessels built for all types of naval warfare:
- Air defense
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Anti-ship operations
- Asymmetric threat countermeasures
Thanks to a digital ship architecture, the frigates can undergo continuous upgrades, ensuring decades of operational relevance.
Cyber-Hardened & Heavily Armed
- Two onboard data centers hosting virtualized ship software
- Dedicated combat computing gateway for UAVs, drone swarms, and fast attack craft
- Armament: 32 Aster missiles, 8 Exocet MM40 B3c, RAM, 76mm gun, MU-90 torpedoes, 2 CANTO countermeasure launchers
- Capacity for 10-ton helicopter and VTOL UAV
Technical Specifications
- Displacement: 4,500 tons
- Length: 122 meters
- Beam: 18 meters
- Max speed: 27 knots
With >25% participation by Greek defense industry, the country strengthens its national defense know-how while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Analysis: Strategic Implications for Greece
‘Kimon’ transforms the power balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. With three FDI frigates by 2026, the Hellenic Navy will:
- Boost naval deterrence
- Ensure operational flexibility
- Prepare for current and emerging threats
The FDI program is strategic, combining cutting-edge technology, heavy firepower, and domestic industrial participation, making it a key instrument of geopolitical influence.