Naval Group has presented the Greek military and political leadership a proposal to expand the Hellenic Navy’s fleet. The plan calls for the local production of additional FDI frigates, along with other vessels.
A few days after reports in the Greek media suggested Greece’s interest in acquiring used Bergamini-class (FREMM IT) frigates from the Italian Navy—and amid ongoing discussions between the two sides, including last Sunday’s visit by Greek military and political leaders to the frigate Carlo Margottini, which was stationed in Piraeus in the presence of the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino—Naval News has learned that French shipbuilder Naval Group has presented the Greek authorities with a proposal aimed at strengthening the French-Greek cooperation in naval defense and technology. The proposal includes, among other elements, the local construction of three (3) additional Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates, in addition to the four (4) already set to be acquired by Greece, with the finalization of the fourth frigate expected in the coming days.
According to the offer, Naval Group is committed to expanding cooperation between France and Greece to better address the needs of the Hellenic Navy while fostering the growth of Greece’s defense and technological base. This will be achieved through the following initiatives:
- Naval Group will transfer cutting-edge technology and know-how to key Greek partners (such as Skaramangas Shipyards and METKA) by training personnel in Lorient and Toulon-Ollioules at the Excellence and Innovation Centre. This will take place during the construction of the fourth FDI HN frigate in Lorient. Meanwhile, Skaramangas Shipyards, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Naval Group, will upgrade its infrastructure to facilitate the construction of advanced frigates.
- Three (3) more FDI HN frigates will be assembled and delivered locally, integrating the Greek supply chain with the support of Naval Group.
Such a proposal, according to Naval Group, offers significant advantages for Greece, including:
- Fleet Standardization: A homogeneous fleet of frigates of the same type will reduce training costs, streamline logistics support, optimize in-service maintenance, and enhance operational availability.
- Substantial Benefits for Greek Industry: The initiative will generate significant returns for the Greek defense sector.
- Development of Domestic Shipbuilding Capabilities: The plan will enable Greek shipyards to establish themselves as key players in the construction of surface combatants.
- National Sovereignty & Industrial Autonomy: By acquiring the capability to domestically produce naval vessels, Greece will take a major step toward industrial independence in defense manufacturing.
- Strategic Partnership & European Defense Resilience: Greece will have the opportunity to become a key partner of Naval Group for future FDI frigate production, reinforcing the broader ReArm Europe initiative and contributing to Europe’s overall defense resilience.
Naval News Comment
The acquisition of a total of seven (7) frigates of this type would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy across all domains of naval warfare. The FDI HN frigates are equipped with a top tier anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite and boast a formidable AAW missile loadout for their size, with each vessel carrying 24-32 ASTER 30 SAM and 21 RAM SAM.
However, their potential acquisition would likely nullify the announced plan of the political leadership to procure the Constellation-class frigates—not only for the Hellenic Navy’s needs but also with the ambition of co-producing them in Greece for potential export to other regional customers. The Greek leadership is likely to reconsider this option as the “American FREMM” program has been facing increasing delays, amid talks of reduced funding on the program which in turn is casting an increasing doubt on whether these frigates will ever see U.S. Navy service.
