On April 15th 2024, the keel laying of the first block of the third Hellenic Ship (HS) Formion took place in the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient. This step is a symbolic milestone in the FDI program for the Hellenic Navy, as it marks the beginning of the third ship's assembly process.
The keel laying of HS Formion is another great achievement which illustrates the strong and longterm industrial cooperation between France and Greece. As an example, SALAMIS SHIPYARDS has already delivered in February several pre-outfitted hull blocks which were built in Greece in their yard of Salamina island through a comprehensive transfer of technology provided by Naval Group. These blocks are now in the process of being assembled in Lorient with the other blocks of the HS Formion.
The FDI HN programme is moving forward. HS Kimon was launched in October 2023, her PSIM was installed in November, and harbour trials have started early March, with the Electrical Distribution system power-up of the ship. The CMS has been powered-up on board by the end of March with the latest version featuring many Hellenic Navy specific capabilities. The first 2 Aster 30 Vertical Launching Systems (A50 - Sylver®), have been installed early April. The second half of 2024 will focus on very important milestones with HS Kimon First Sea Going and launching of HS Nearchos.
HS Nearchos’ PSIM has been transferred to its shore-testing area for a 5-month test period. during which setting-to-work of many systems of the PSIM will be performed. The PSIM will then be installed onboard HS Nearchos a few days after launching the frigate.
HS Formion’s PSIM is being pre-outfitting. Cabling and outfitting of equipment will start soon. The last hull block is under construction in Salamis Shipyards and will be delivered in July.
The three frigates will be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
FDI HS frigate is a 4,500-ton class high sea warship. Multipurpose and resilient, she features high level capabilities in all naval combat domains: anti-ship, anti-air, antisubmarine and special forces projection, with unique capabilities against asymmetric threats. She benefits from Thales’ latest innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare.
Strongly armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM missiles, MU90 antisubmarine torpedoes, artillery), the FDI frigate embarks simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of aerial vehicle (UAV). She benefits from the expertise of all Naval Group’s partners and subcontractors.
Technical Specifications:
- Displacement: 4,500 tons
- Length: approx. 122 meters
- Width: 18 meters
- Maximum speed: 27 knots
- Aviation facilities: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Main Armaments:
- 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA
- 8 Exocet MM40 B3C missiles developed by MBDA
- RAM missiles
- MU 90 torpedoes developed by Naval Group
- 76 mm gun
- 4 torpedo tubes
- CANTO counter measures developed by Naval Group
As an international naval defence player, Naval Group is a partner for countries seeking to maintain control of their maritime sovereignty. Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet its customers’ requirements. Present throughout the entire life cycle of vessels, it designs, produces, integrates, supports and upgrades submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, up to and including dismantling. It also provides shipyard and naval base services.
As a high-tech company, it draws on its outstanding expertise, unique design and production resources and ability to establish strategic partnerships, in particular within the framework of transfers of technology. Ever mindful of the issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR), Naval Group is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.
With bases on five continents, the group generates revenue of 4,257 billion euros and has 18 094 employees (figures at 31 December 2023).
