The following press release by Lacroix during DEFEA 2023 officially confirms that the three under-construction FDI HN frigates will be equipped with the SYLENA Mk1 decoy launching systems (DLS). Naval News had assumed that it will be this specific model of DLS since late 2022 already and not the SYLENA Mk2 model which carries additionally three (3) CANTO anti-torpedo decoys each, because FDI frigates will be equipped with the new Counter Measure Launching Systems (CMLS) by Naval Group; two CMLS will equip FDI carrying six (6) CANTO each. Therefore the installation of four SYLENA MK1 DLS was logical.
Incidentally, Greece’s FDI HN will be better equipped than their French counterparts: For now, the first two FDI for the French Navy (Marine Nationale) will be “fitted for but not with” decoy launching systems.
Lacroix Defence press release
The Defence entity of the Etienne Lacroix Group confirms with this new announcement, its real dynamic in the sector of naval self-protection, but also the credibility of its systems and specific effects, for the protection of 1st rank ships and navies around the world.
The three defence and intervention frigates (FDI) for the Greek Navy are designed and produced by Naval Group in Lorient. They will be delivered in 2025 for the first two units and in 2026 for the third, and will rapidly and durably reinforce the capabilities of the surface fleet of the Hellenic Navy.
“LACROIX is delighted with this choice and thanks the Hellenic Navy, as well as Naval Group and DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) program teams who have worked over the last 3 years to make it a reality. This is a strong signal of recognition for us and all the industries involved in this project, which underlines French excellence in the naval field.
For the LACROIX teams, this is a recognition of the quality of our SYLENA systems, and a strong signal of confidence in the effectiveness and credibility of our effects and solutions for the protection of New Generation Ships such as the FDI“. François Moulinier, COO of LACROIX Defence.
A Sylena MK1 4-launcher system, will therefore reinforce the protection and armament system planned for the FDI HN, by equipping them with anti-missile solutions (Infrared and Electro Magnetic of new generation, by using the technology known as corner reflectors).
A choice for a reinforced self-protection system, legitimised by the return of high-intensity combat, in view of the current context at the gates of Europe, with the disappearance of the Moskva in April 2022 reviving the subject of the self-protection of ships and the effectiveness of the technologies employed.
In addition, LACROIX teams are working on the Greek Air Force’s (Hellenic Air Force) programs for the overall protection of their fleet of fighter aircraft (including Mirage 2000 and F16), and of course for the acquisition program of 24 Rafales.
A well known aircraft from LACROIX pyrotechnician’s teams, since LACROIX specifically designed, in close collaboration with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Rafale’s self-protection decoys against the latest generation of infrared threats.
LACROIX is proud to be one of the industrial players involved in the weapon system of this aircraft, which is one of the most efficient in the world.
The many projects and programmes of the Greek armed forces, and more generally at the international level, for equipping platforms of very high technical and operational value, constitute for us a cutting-edge challenge, demonstrating our agility and capacity for industrial adaptation in a troubled geopolitical context.
About Etienne Lacroix Group
ETIENNE LACROIX GROUP, founded in 1848, is a leading company in the field of pyrotechnics for the defence and security sector. Its activities are vertically integrated and cover all aspects, from product design to manufacturing, including supply, support and services. Our various entities also offer training solutions, simulation, signalling, law enforcement products and support to forces.
LACROIX offers a complete range of self-protection (countermeasure systems and ammunition) for air, land and sea forces throughout the world, as well as training, simulation and signalling solutions.
More informations Lacroix Defense – Smart Protection (lacroix-defense.com)