During DEFEA 2023 in Athens, Naval News met with Stéphane Fremont, Naval Group’s Vice President – Surface Combatant Programs. We discussed the new image in order to clarify some questions regarding the FDI HN configuration.
We recently confirmed officially that the three under-construction FDI HN frigates will be equipped with the SYLENA Mk1 decoy launching systems (DLS) something that we had already assumed because Naval Group will provide its new Counter Measure Launching Systems (CMLS) for CANTO anti-torpedo decoys. Both DLS, four SYLENA Mk1 and two CMLS, are now depicted in the new image.
The most striking changes in the illustration of the FDI HN are the addition of protection “shields” in specific places on board the ship. The first shield behind the RAM launcher, protects the SATCOM antenna from RAM missile launches. The second (and bigger) shield, is located behind the funnel. It has two roles: It protects the sensor from the funnel exhausts but it also avoids interference between the SATCOM antenna and SEAFIRE multi-function radar (and other antennas located on the PSIM).
We also note additional communication antennas on the mast as well as the sensor at the polemast, in addition to the SENTINEL R-ESM immediately above the BLUEGATE IFF sensors, as part also of the SENTINEL R-ESM, in order to cover low, main and higher band. Mr. Fremont clarified that “low band and higher bands, are two options that have not been selected yet by the Hellenic Navy. France has selected additionally the low band R-ESM but not the higher band which is still an option, however Thales knows better the details about SENTINEL”.
LIONFISH 20mm RWS in place of NARWHAL
The most significant change illustrated by the latest FDI HN rendering is in the armament. Specifically, the Nexter NARWHAL 20mm RWS are gone and replaced with the Leonardo LIONFISH 20mm RWS! Mr. Fremont confirmed that and said that this was requested by the HN despite the recent press release by Nexter mentioning that the company will provide its weapons for the Greek frigates.
We asked about the laser warning system (LWS or else L-ESM) that the Hellenic Navy will add on its FDI HN and the fact that we can notice such sensors on the hull. Mr. Fremont confirmed that and said that there should be eight (8) such sensors to cover the whole ship.
Furthermore regarding the “lack” of STRALES kit on the OTO 76mm gun or a sensor such as a Safran VAMPIR NG panoramic long-range IRST system on FDI design, Mr. Fremont clarified that both systems were not requested neither from France nor from Greece. Nevertheless, the 21-tube RAM launcher (and the OTO 76/62SR), Safran PASEO XLR and the asymmetrical warfare suite (Bertin Technologies TV and IR surveillance system) located on the PSIM provide full protection and coverage respectively. It is clarified though that there are discussions to add VAMPIR NG in the Gowind corvette proposal for the Hellenic Navy corvette program as well as two PASEO XLR instead of SPYNEL-X sensors which are fitted on the UAE Bani Yas-class (Gowind) corvette, in order to improve commonality.
Mr. Fremont revealed also that the Hellenic Navy will use Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 on board FDI HN which will be accommodated in a separate hangar from the MH-60R helicopter that Greece will procure; at least seven such helicopters will join the Navy in 2023-2025. Naval News has revealed in 2022 that four such systems will be procured by 2027. The FDI HN is adapted to integrate this specific UAS. Regarding the MH-60R, Fremont confirmed that the American helicopter will be fully integrated with the FDI HN. He told Naval News that “We can adapt to any kind of helicopter. Egypt, UAE and France are some examples of integration of different types of helicopters”. He added that the RAM launcher will be fully integrated as well and that Naval Group has done it already for UAE Bani Yas-class (Gowind) corvettes. Moreover, it was confirmed that VIKING Norsafe Hellas will provide the RHIB for FDI HN instead of Zodiac Milpro ECUME.
FDI Future evolutions
Regarding the growth potential of the design, it was clarified that the FDI for France has very big growth potential such as the installation of DLS and an additional 16-cell Sylver VLS, systems that have been fitted to Greek counterparts, plus other systems such as R-ECM (jammer). The FDI is designed “with margin allocated for additional equipment” and that there is still important growth potential for Greek FDIs to improve their equipment. Also, he added that the FDI can be easily equipped with a state-of-the-art R-ECM system as its electric power supply system is designed to support it. It was a decision of France to postpone the acquisition of R-ECM because “there is completely new equipment on the FDI (first it was a budget issue) and second they wanted a solution well adapted to FDI. That’s why we studied a solution together with Thales that is enough of much to the SENTINEL R-ESM. It is no use to have a great R-ESM and old generation R-ECM. That’s why we try to keep state of the art technology on the FDI”. He also added that the new R-ECM system will come most likely from Elt Roma but Thales will be in charge of the software. So, the FDI will be fitted with advanced R-ECM systems! The new R-ECM is set to enter a test phase next year.
In relation to new weapons, such as Aster Block 1NT surface to air missile (SAM) or other sensors, Fermont said that it would be easier for Greece to do it together with France when the latter will upgrade its FDI into new standards.