October 4, 2023, will be remembered as a deeply emotional and historical day for all Greeks who watched online or attended at Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France the ceremonial launch of the first modern Greek frigate in nearly three decades. The anticipated commissioning of the lead ship of the Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigate in early 2025 will herald the rejuvenation of the Hellenic Navy (HN) with one of the most formidable and cutting-edge designs on a global level. Τhe entry into service of Kimon (F601) in 2025 will mark the beginning of a new era for Greece’s naval capabilities as several characteristics of the new frigate are introduced for the first time in the HN.
It is noteworthy that Greece has not incorporated a major surface combatant constructed or designed by a French manufacturer into its fleet for several decades despite the fact that the majority of its fast attack missile craft (FACM), have French origin.
For several years, the Greek government and subsequently the leadership of the HN engaged in extensive discussions with the French authorities regarding the acquisition of frigates, initially considering FREMM and later the new that time FDI-class vessels. As the decision-making process was extended, additional contenders, the best of Western naval manufacturers, gradually entered into a competitive dialogue with the Greek side. Notably, Naval Group faced stiff competition, including a heavier variant of the LCS design, initially referred to as MMSC and later an even more advanced configuration known as the Hellenic Future Frigate (HF2) by American Lockheed Martin. Other major contenders included the SIGMA 11515 by the Dutch Damen, the MEKO A200 by German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the Arrowhead 140HN by British Babcock, the FREMM IT (Bergamini class in ASW configuration) by Italian Fincantieri, and the F110 by Spanish Navantia.
Ultimately, the contract was awarded to the French Naval Group for the FDI frigates in a configuration superior to the French ones. Therefore, on March 24, 2022, Greece signed a contract for the procurement of three Defense and Intervention Frigates (FDI) HN frigates, with an option for one more.
Naval News had the honor of attending the ceremony, where not only visited the under construction Greek vessel but also engaged in enlightening conversations with key representatives from Naval Group. During our discussions, we gleaned essential insights into the program’s intricacies and gained a deeper understanding of the features of the newly unveiled ship.
New details about Greece’s FDI HN
The French officials have stated firmly that the construction of FDI HN is not just an export of warships to a third country, but stress that they are supplying Greece with warships that are in some respects, at a higher capability level than theirs. Furthermore, Greece will acquire three FDI HN in a very short timeframe. To achieve these timeframes, the second and third FDI frigates, originally planned for delivery to the French Navy in 2025, will be completed as Greek ships and by 2027 will receive the additional equipment requested by the Greek side. The Hellenic Navy ships are being built as series production right after the first ship of class for the French Navy, with the benefits of an expedited delivery.
Standard 2 configuration
The conversion of the first two FDI HN to the Standard 2 configuration, the advanced Greek one, will take place in Greece, at the Salamis Naval Base and not at Hellenic Shipyards S.A. (Skaramangas). We remind that the Standard 2 configuration will differ from the Standard 1 of the French ships, with the installation of additional weapons such as 16 MBDA ASTER 30 SAM, 21-cell RAM CIWS, decoy launching systems (DLS) by Lacroix, and enhancements in the electronic warfare equipment. Nevertheless, the ship will be “fitted for but not with” the systems, and there will be no need to “cut the ship” in order to install for example the Sylver A50 VLS.
Since the specific equipment details of the French ships have not been disclosed and the fact that the French have not yet deiced yet to equip the ships properly, even with DLS, we can reasonably anticipate that the Greek frigate, even in its Standard 1 configuration, will slightly outperform in equipment its French counterpart thanks to the incorporation of additional equipment, such as a laser warning system (LWS) and a 76mm gun with multi-feeder that will provide advanced anti-missile and counter-UAV capability. We still do not know the provider of the LWS but we may assume that it will be SAAB. It was confirmed to us for a second time (first time was here) that eight sensors will constitute the LWS suite covering the whole ship and providing complete awareness of potential threats to the crew.
It was emphasized to us that the FDI HN will be fully equipped to counter current and future threats thanks to its sophisticated equipment, advanced armament and digital architecture that will allow to receive easily updates. This signifies that the ship will boast a comprehensive communications suite (including LINK 16) and electronic warfare suite (including the valuable R-ECM), with the added advantage of full weapon integration, encompassing systems such as the RAM system, seamlessly within the SETIS CMS infrastructure. Regarding the R-ECM (jammers), it was confirmed to us that a new system under development for the French Navy, will be fitted on the Greek FDI. The new system is reported to be very advanced and compatible with the electronics of the ship. For security and confidentiality purposes, comprehensive information regarding the program and FDI HN’s equipment is exclusively outlined in the extended, confidential section of the contract, which was executed in 2022. The FDI HN can be easily equipped with a state-of-the-art R-ECM system as its electric power supply system is designed to support it. Regarding the R-ECM, Naval Group representative in May 2023 told to Naval News that “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.
UAS and RHIB
We also reconfirmed that the Hellenic Navy has planned to integrate the Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS with the FDI HN as well as that VIKING Norsafe Hellas will provide the RHIB for FDI HN instead of Zodiac Milpro ECUME. Note that the frigate features a conveniently situated small door on the starboard side, positioned slightly above sea level. This door serves the purpose of facilitating easy embarkation for maritime pilots, eliminating the need for a ladder. Moreover, this same hatch can serve as a secondary access option for Special Operations Forces (SOF) teams, typically situated on board the RHIB during launch or recovery operations.
Lionfish RWS
Regarding the exclusive information of Naval News that the LIONFISH 20 RWS will be the secondary guns of FDI HN and not the Nexter NARWHAL which we revealed for the first time here during DEFEA 2023 in Athens, the Navy considers this weapon system as superior to other available systems and moreover considers Leonardo a trustful supplier, especially in the follow on support (FOS) of the systems. The system’s impressive rate of fire of about 1,000 rpm and its integration to the CMS and to the asymmetrical warfare suite, will provide to the ship complete protection from asymmetrical threats and not only.
From the renderings and the close observation of the ship, it is clear that there is space for a third system at the starboard side near the bridge but we do not know if a possible installation of such system there will affect the performance of the ship. Nevertheless, the two RWS will provide full coverage. Definitely, a larger caliber such as 30mm gun could not be fitted in such small space and near the bridge. Greece will be the first user of this advanced weapon system by installing two such systems on each FDI HN. The same system will equip four Island-class coastal patrol vessels which were acquired from the US Coast Guard while it is proposed by Leonardo for the Greek corvette program (3+1 vessels), for both candidates, Gowind 2800 of Naval Group and FCX30 (Al Zubarah-class variant) of Fincantieri. Therefore at least 16+4 LIONFISH turrets will equip 10 Greek naval vessels in the near future.
Option for 4th frigate
Concerning the option for a 4th FDI HN, the French officials have clarified that nothing has been finalized and the decision and responsibility solely belong to the Greek side. The French are willing to discuss an extension of the exercise of the option for ordering the fourth FDI HN, provided that the Greek side raises the matter.
