Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
The keel of HS Formion was laid this month. (Photo: Naval Group)
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.
The keel has been laid for the third FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Formion, and harbour trials have begun for the first-of-class HS Kimon, which was launched in October 2023.
The keel laying of the first block of HS Formion took place in the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient with blocks manufactured at Salamis Shipyards in Greece. Several other blocks from the yard were delivered in February and have been in the process of being prepared.
In announcing the keel laying, French company Naval Group outlined progress on the other two ships of the class. The first two Aster 30 Vertical Launching Systems were installed on HS Kimon in early April and the second half of 2024 will focus on sea trials for HS Kimon and the launching of second-of-class HS Nearchos.
A key feature of the ships is their Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM) which carries the FDI’s digital radar electronic support measures, the four fixed-panel Thales Sea Fire multi-function radar, and a host of other sensors including EO/IR cameras and communications electronic support measures systems.
PSIM was installed on HS Kimon in November. HS Nearchos’ PSIM has been transferred to its shore-testing area for a five-month test period with installation set to occur after launching.
HS Formion’s PSIM has been in the pre-outfitting and cabling stage with outfitting of equipment due to start soon. The last hull block has been under construction in Salamis Shipyards and will be delivered in July.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?]()
Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?
The USN is conducting a market search seeking additional sources capable of supplying 516 units of Over the Horizon – Weapons System Encanistered Missiles.
-
![How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?]()
How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?
Canada’s inclusion on the EU’s Security Action for Europe initiative is set to enhance the country’s defence procurement strategy with important implications for some of its naval programmes, while Poland and Romania have also secured significant SAFE funding.
-
![Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres]()
Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres
The agreement to provide portable autonomous command centres to the UK Royal Navy will enhance the service’s Mine Counter Measure operations and further integrate autonomous and uncrewed systems into its fleet.
-
![Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power]()
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
