PHOTO GALLERY #39: Limnos, frigate of the Hellenic Navy

Photos by Christos Koffas

 

HS Limnos, Elli-class frigate of the Hellenic Navy

This photo gallery showcases the Elli-class (Kortenaer) frigate, HS Limnos, belonging to the Hellenic Navy (HN). The HS Limnos is part of a fleet of ten (10) Kortenaer-class frigates (nine in service today) acquired by Greece between 1981 and 2001. Notably, it is one of the two frigates in this class, alongside HS Elli, procured completely new while still under construction for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN). The remaining vessels were obtained as second-hand units between 1993 and 2001, following their retirement from the RNN. A unique feature of the HS Limnos and HS Elli is their distinctive armament, which includes two OTO 76mm guns and two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS). This sets them apart from their counterparts within the class. For a substantial period, these two frigates held the distinction of being the most modern and powerful vessels in the Hellenic Navy, until the introduction of the first Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigate.The two ships received an MLU in 2006-2010. Enjoy the photos!

First new Greek FDI frigate receives PSIM integrated mast

A month after the technical launch of the first Greek FDI HN frigate Kimon (F601) from its dry dock at Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, the final structural part of the superstructure, was fitted on the ship, the PSIM integrated mast. Τhe entry into service of Kimon 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 Navy, of which among them is this specific mast. My story for Naval News, here.

New Insights Emerge about Greece’s FDI HN Frigates

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 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. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece’s First FDI HN Frigate Technically Launched by Naval Group

Today marks a significant historical moment for Greece and the Hellenic Navy: The lead ship of the new Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates was technically launched at the Naval Group Shipyard in Lorient, France. This outcome stems from the agreement signed in March 2022 between Greek officials with French manufacturers Naval Group, MBDA and Thales. The agreement calls for the procurement of three (plus one optional) Defense and Intervention Frigates (FDI) in their Hellenic Navy (HN) configuration, along with their weapons package and integrated logistics support (ILS). My story for Naval News, here.

FLEETS #33: Voksmarine, Bundesmarine, Royal Netherlands Navy and Turkish Navy in Cold War

The following images illustrate the most important classes of warships that were in service with the navies of East Germany, West Germany, the Netherlands and Turkey during the Cold War. All the images are created by www.naval-encyclopedia.com. In that page you can read some excellent naval history articles, to download other graphs or you can purchase the same graphs in high resolution in the online shop! More posts will follow for your collection of current naval fleets but also of fleets from the past.

 

East German Navy (Volksmarine) in Cold War

East German Navy (Volksmarine) in Cold War

New additions to the Hellenic Navy

The Hellenic Navy’s future multi-mission ship Perseus arrived on September 1 at Salamis Naval Base where she will receive the proper modifications in order to join the Greek Fleet the coming weeks. This is the fourth multi-purpose ship that joins the Navy as fleet support ship, all former commercial vessels and all donated by the Greek shipowner and president of Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation Panos Laskaridis. Also, the last pair of Island cutters arrived at Salamis Naval Base on September 1, 2023. My story for Naval News, here. 

North Korea reveals a new cruise missile-armed corvette

An Amnok-class corvette of the North Korean Navy made an interesting appearance during a demonstration to the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang’s state media reported Monday without disclosing the date of his visit. Kim Jong Un inspected the Guards 2nd Surface Ship Flotilla of the East Sea Fleet of the Navy of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) honored with the title of O Jung Hup-led 7th Regiment. A demonstration of the capabilities of a new warship which we see for the first time in such detail took place, the Patrol Ship (corvette) No. 661 of the Amnok-class. My story for Naval News, here.

Three new Tehnomont fast patrol vessels for the Cyprus Port and Marine Police

The new Cypriot 18-meter fast patrol vessel

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus – Ministry of Justice and Public Order – Cyprus Port and Marine Police (Coast Guard) has received three (3) new fast patrol vessels from the Croatian shipbuilder Tehnomont. The first of the boat, named Kyrenia (Patrol Vessel; PV 31), was launched in May 2023 and the rest two, Kantara (PV 32) in June and Pentadaktylos (PV 33) in August, at the company's shipyard in Pula. TEHNOMONT SHIPYARD PULA Ltd is listed as the leading Croatian shipyard of medium dimensions, and the fact that they are one of the leading builders of aluminum ships on the Croatian market. The shipyard, which has some 150 employees, will deliver also two 25-meter firefighting vessels for Greece by the end of the year.

Cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) retires after over 36 years of service

On August 10, 2023 the United States Navy retired its 11th Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, the USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), after over 36 years of operational service. The decommissioning ceremony of the USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, took place on August 10, 2023, at Naval Base San Diego, the second-largest surface ship base in the United States Navy and the principal homeport for the Pacific Fleet. My story for Naval News, here.

Bulgaria’s First Modern Corvette Launched by Local Shipyard

On August 4, 2023, in Varna, the Bulgarian shipbuilder MTG Dolphin Shipyard PLC launched the first of the two new 2,300-ton corvettes / multi-purpose modular patrol vessels (MMPV) 90 for the Bulgarian Navy, under the management of the German shipbuilder NVL Group (formerly known as Lürssen Defence) which is the prime contractor of the project and with the involvement of numerous Bulgarian suppliers. My story for Naval News, here.

Hellenic Army receives S1200 Armored speedboats

Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas delivered the first batch of S1200 Armored speedboats to the Hellenic Army on 3 July. The four boats have been delivered under a framework agreement that was signed between the company and the General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments on 14 December 2021, for the procurement of 41 speedboats for the Hellenic Army Amphibious Raider Squadrons of Joint Special Operations Command. The agreement includes a seven-year initial follow-on support contract, and will see a second batch consisting of three boats delivered in early autumn. My story for Janes here.

Greece receives first Island class patrol vessels from the U.S.

On July 3, 2023 the first Island-class cutters, that were transferred to the Hellenic Navy by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), have arrived in Perama of Piraeus, Greece. Two more vessels will arrive in the coming weeks. The vessels were previously stationed in Manama, Bahrain (Naval Support Activity Bahrain) as a part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) to provide the US Navy 5th Fleet with combat ready assets. Greece becomes the 6th country to acquire Island-class patrol vessels for its maritime forces, after Pakistan (Pakistan Maritime Security Agency), Georgia (Georgian Coast Guard), Costa Rica (Costa Rican Coast Guard), Ukraine (Ukrainian Navy) and of course the United States. My story for Naval News, here.

Greek Shipbuilder Reveals New Special Operations Craft Designs

Some months after the successful introduction into service with the Hellenic Navy (ΗΝ) of Phi-Mechaniseas’s first Special Operations Craft (SOC) design AGENOR 18, also known as Agenor, the Greek company partnered with DIAPLOUS Group, a security, defence and crisis management group of companies, providing both maritime and land-based holistic risk management solutions on a global scale. The newly established DIAPLOUS PHI (founded in January 2023) is led by former senior naval officers, naval architects and marine engineers who bring together advanced naval engineering knowledge together with deep Special Forces operational expertise to the design and construction of SOCs, complemented by expertise in tactical mission and weapon systems. DIAPLOUS PHI aims to provide its customers with tailor-made and turnkey solutions taking into considerations their special requirements and needs. My story for Naval News, here.

New Multi-Purpose Ship Donated to the Hellenic Navy

The Greek shipowner and president of Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, Panos Laskaridis is about to donate a new large multi-purpose ship to the Hellenic Navy. The ship, is yet another kind donation of numerous donations over the last two decades by Laskaridis and his family to the Greek Navy and the Coast Guard, which include weaponry, patrol vessels, auxiliary and training ships, repairs and upgrades of older vessels and lighthouses. The close connection of Panos Laskaridis with the Hellenic Navy and his multi-faceted contribution to it, affirms in the best manner the unbreakable bond between the Hellenic Merchant Marine and the Hellenic Navy as joint guardians of Greek naval power and seamanship. "Viking Vision" is the 5th ship Laskaridis donates to the Hellenic Navy. It will be renamed when entering service with the Navy. My story for Naval News, here.

Advanced Missile Decoys by Lacroix for the Hellenic Navy

The introduction of chaff discrimination seeking capability into modern anti-ship missiles has made chaff decoys obsolete. A new generation of decoys has emerged based on radiofrequency corner-reflector technology to counter this threat. Lacroix Defense is supplying this technology to the Hellenic Navy. After the official announcement by Lacroix Defense during DEFEA 2023 that the company’s decoy launching systems (DLS) and their ammunition will protect the future Greek FDI HN frigates, Naval News met with Renaud Thetiot, Lacroix Sales and Marketing Director, to learn more about their technology and capabilities. My story for Naval News, here.

Fincantieri reveals details of its FCx30 Corvette Proposal to Greece

During DEFEA 2023 in Athens, Naval News met with Dario Deste, Fincantieri’s General Manager Naval Vessels Division, to learn more about Fincantieri’s FCx30 proposal for the Hellenic Navy corvette program. The Italian shipbuilder competes with France’s Naval Group. Mr. Deste confirmed that Fincantieri and ONEX Elefsis Shipyards are in negotiations with the Greek government for 3+1 FCx30 corvettes which will be built in Italy (for the first-in-class ship) and Greece (for the following three). This is the design that has been selected by the Qatari Emiri Navy as Al Zubarah-class (known also as Doha-class); three of the four vessels in the class are already in active service since 2021. My story for Naval News, here. 

LIONFISH remote weapon stations for the Hellenic Navy

Naval News revealed yesterday that the Hellenic Navy decided to equip its new FDI HN frigates with the Leonardo LIONFISH 20 new RWS. Today, we met Leonardo to know more about this new weapon system. LIONFISH is the new family of small caliber remote-controlled weapon stations (RWS). Designed and developed by Leonardo, the new line consists of four models that feature the most advanced technologies available on the market today, including Ultralight, Inner Reloading, and Top in 12.7 mm caliber and Model 20 in 20 mm caliber. Featuring a common architecture, the Lionfish family of turrets is characterized by a compact and lightweight structure. Their lightweight, compact dimensions and safe deployment make them an excellent choice for installation on small ships or as secondary armament on larger vessels. My story for Naval News, here. 

Greece’s FDI HN frigates: Naval Group reveals new details

Naval News obtained from Naval Group a new illustration that depicts in details the sensors which will equip the new Hellenic Navy (HN) defense and intervention frigates (FDI HN) as well as changes in the equipment. During DEFEA 2023 in Athens, Naval News met with Stéphane Fremont, Naval Group’s Vice President – Surface Combatant Programs. We discussed the new image in order to clarify some questions regarding the FDI HN configuration. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece’s New FDI Frigates to Feature Advanced Decoy Launchers

At DEFEA 2023, LACROIX formally confirms the Hellenic Navy's choice to equip its new defence and intervention frigates (FDI HN) with the SYLENA MK1 decoy launching systems (DLS) and associated ammunition. The press release by Lacroix during DEFEA 2023 officially confirms that the three under-construction FDI HN frigates will be equipped with the SYLENA Mk1 DLS. We 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. My story for Naval News, here.

IAI to equip Greek S-70B-6 helicopters with new sensor

IAI TAMAM Division will supply its MOSP3000-HD sensor payloads for the Hellenic Navy S-70B-6 helicopters as part of a modernization package. TAMAM Division of the Systems Missiles & Space (SMS) Group of of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) won a Hellenic Navy tender for an undefined number of its MOSP3000-HD highly stabilized long-range reconnaissance and targeting multi-sensor turret. Naval News learned the information from a source with knowledge of the matter but who wished to remain unnamed. My story for Naval News, here. 

Cyprus’ Swarmly Unveils New ‘B5 Hydra’ Armed USV

Cypriot company Swarmly will present a new armed unmanned surface vessel (USV), the B5 Hydra, at the upcoming DEFEA 2023 defense exhibition held in Athens, Greece, in May. Swarmly‘s head offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Limassol, Cyprus. The company is known for its Poseidon VTOL UAS (H10 and H12 models) which serve in the armed forces of 8 countries from Africa, South-East Asia and Europe, including the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Specifically the company told Naval News that in Ukraine, they are among very few foreign-made systems that can operate in the very difficult GPS-denied and electronic warfare environment one may face there. My exclusive story about this new USV for Naval News, here.

INFOGRAPHICS #62: Future Surface Combatants Vol. VΙI (Tamandare-class, SIGMA 12516, SIGMA 10514)

 Written by D-Mitch

In this post, I include some of the infographics I made and published on social media, about new surface combatants that are under construction and about to enter service in the near future as well as proposed designs to various recent competitions but without a customer yet.

1. Tamandaré-class light frigates/corvettes of the Brazilian Navy (4 ships)

 

Tamandare-class light frigate/corvette of the Brazilian Navy

New Gowind Corvette for the UAE Starts Sea Trials

The first Gowind type corvette for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy, Bani Yas (P110), has started its sea trials on March 6, 2023. It is the most advanced design to date in the Gowind family. Bani Yas is a multi-mission stealth corvette built by Naval Group providing multiple simultaneous capabilities and designed to achieve, with the highest level of performance, the full spectrum of naval defence operations and maritime security roles. In 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ordered two Gowind-type corvettes to be built in France. The first corvette, Bani Yas, was launched in December 2021. The second one, Al Emarat, was launched in May 2022 at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient. My story for Naval News, here. 

Ten new Kewatec high-speed patrol boats for the Cyprus Port and Marine Police

Press release by Kewatec Shipyards

Kewatec SAR 850

Government of the Republic of Cyprus – Ministry of Justice and Public Order – Cyprus Port and Marine Police (Coast Guard) have ordered ten (10) new high-speed patrol boats from Kewatec. The boats are aluminum-hulled RIB-type with foam fenders. The boats are capable of a top speed of more than 50 knots. The boats are a new model called Kewatec SAR 850 and will be handed over in the second half of 2024. The boats are designed for several operational needs for example patrolling, sea rescue, special missions, and coast guard. The boats will patrol the coastal areas of Cyprus and territorial waters up to 24 nautical miles from the nearest shore.

The Importance of FDI Frigates Procurement by the Hellenic Navy

On the eve of Greek Independence Day on March 24, 2022, on the deck of the legendary armored cruiser Georgios Averof (permanently docked as a museum ship at Paleo Faliro) and in a celebratory atmosphere, Greek officials signed a contract with French manufacturers Naval Group, MBDA and Thales, for the procurement of three (plus one optional) Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention or FDI (Defense and Intervention Frigates) in their Hellenic Navy (HN) configuration (FDI HN), along with their weapons load and integrated logistics support (ILS). The option for the fourth FDI HN with related weapons load and ILS expires on June 30, 2023 under the terms and conditions of the contract. My story for Naval News, here.

INFOGRAPHICS #61: Future Surface Combatants Vol. VΙ (ΜΕΚΟ Α-300, HF2, SIGMA 11515 EXT.AAW)

Written by D-Mitch

In this post, I include some of the infographics I made and published on social media, about new surface combatants that are under construction and about to enter service in the near future. In this Vol. VI post however I will include some designs that have been proposed to various Navies' competitions but until now they have not find a customer.

1. ΜΕΚΟ Α-300 frigate, a TKMS design that was proposed for Greece (FDI HN won the competition) and Poland (AH140PL won the competition)

Indicative equipment of a MEKO A-300 frigate by TKMS

Greek naval vessels to be fitted with SPIKE missiles

Greece will proceed with the procurement of SPIKE fire-and-forget missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to equip eight naval vessels of two different types. The Greek Governmental Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, decided today to proceed with the procurement of SPIKE missiles from the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to equip the Hellenic Armed Forces. The acquisition of SPIKE fire-and-forget missiles will equip, among others, eight naval vessels in total, of two different types. My story for Naval News, here.

The future of the Hellenic Coast Guard Fleet (2020-2027)

The following article is in Greek language and analyzes the future purchases and the important issues regarding the future of the Hellenic Coast Guard ships and boats.

Από Ανώνυμος Λιμενικός και D-Mitch

Η "ναυαρχίδα" του ΛΣ-ΕΛΑΚΤ σήμερα, το ΠΑΘ Γαύδος

Στις 25 Νοεμβρίου 2022, το Λιμενικό Σώμα – Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή (Λ.Σ.-ΕΛ.ΑΚΤ.) εκτιμώντας τις παρούσες και μελλοντικές ανάγκες της χώρας ανακοίνωσε διαβούλευση με την αγορά για προμήθεια δύο (02)  Πλοίων Ανοιχτής Θαλάσσης (ΠΑΘ) ολικού μήκους άνω των 80 μέτρων. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, το Αρχηγείο του Λ.Σ.-ΕΛ.ΑΚΤ. ανακοίνωσε τη διενέργεια ανοικτών και δημόσιων ενημερωτικών συναντήσεων, μη δεσμευτικής συμμετοχής οικονομικών φορέων (διαβούλευση-τεχνικός διάλογος), με σκοπό την ενημέρωση του Λ.Σ. / ΕΛ. ΑΚΤ., «για τις νέες τεχνολογικές εξελίξεις και τη συλλογή πληροφοριών που κρίνονται ουσιώδεις στο πλαίσιο κατάρτισης τεχνικών απαιτήσεων/προδιαγραφών για την “Προμήθεια δυο (2) πλοίων ανοικτής θαλάσσης άνω των 80 μ.” συνολικού εκτιμώμενου προϋπολογισμού 160.000.000 ευρώ». Το πρόγραμμα συγχρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση (Ε.Ε.). Συνοπτικά, στις τεχνικές απαιτήσεις ζητείται η μέγιστη ταχύτητα των πλοίων να είναι 27 κόμβοι, θα δύναται αν φιλοξενήσει 40 άτομα πλήρωμα συν 30 επιβαίνοντες, θα διαθέτουν ελικοδρόμιο για την προσνήωση και εξυπηρέτηση ελικοπτέρου κατηγορίας 11 τόνων, καθώς επίσης και δύο μη επανδρωμένων ελικοπτέρων με μέγιστο βάρος απονήωσης 200 κιλών, υπόστεγο για τη φιλοξενία των μη επανδρωμένων ελικοπτέρων καθώς δυνατότητα φιλοξενίας και επανδρωμένου ελικοπτέρου της τάξεως των έξι τόνων και τέλος θα έχουν μόνιμο οπλισμό που θα αποτελείται από ένα τηλεχειριζόμενο πυροβόλο των 30 χλστ. και δύο τηλεχειριζόμενα πυροβόλα των 12,7 χλστ. (περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες εδώ). Είναι η πρώτη φορά στην ιστορία του Λ.Σ.-ΕΛ. ΑΚΤ. που συζητείται η προμήθεια πλοίων τέτοιου μεγέθους αφού μέχρι τώρα τα ΠΑΘ ήταν μικρότερα των 60 μέτρων.