North Korea’s New Destroyer Sets Sail for the First Time, Tests Missile Systems

On March 3 and 4, in the presence of Kim Jong Un, the North Korean Navy conducted tests to assess the operational capabilities of its new 5,000-ton destroyer, Choe Hyon (51). The North Korea’s largest and by far its most advanced surface warship, sailed under its own power for the first time since April 25, 2025. During its earlier trial, several weapon launches had been carried out, although the ship had been towed rather than operating independently. According to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un inspected the destroyer to observe the crew’s combat and political training and to oversee the shakedown process intended to evaluate the vessel’s operational performance. Accompanying him were Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) officials, senior military officials and officials from the warship-building sector. My story for Naval News, here.

The Kimon-Class Frigates: Greece’s Naval Renaissance and an Overview of the FDI HN Program

By D-Mitch

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Kimon, first FDI HN frigate for Greece arriving at
Salamis Naval Base on January 15, 2026. 
Photo by Nick Thodos (@ThNick_ on X)

On the eve of Greek Independence Day, March 24, 2022, Greece launched the most consequential naval procurement program in decades. In a celebratory ceremony held on the deck of the legendary armored cruiser Georgios Averof, permanently moored as a museum ship at Paleo Faliro, the Hellenic Republic signed a landmark agreement with French defense manufacturers Naval Group, MBDA, and Thales. The contract provides for the acquisition of three Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI) in Hellenic Navy configuration (FDI HN), with an option for a fourth vessel (3+1). All ships are being constructed in Lorient, France, with sections also built at Salamis Shipyards in Greece. The agreement includes their weapons package (missiles and torpedoes), CANTO anti-torpedo countermeasures as well as Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). The first frigate, Kimon, was officially commissioned into the Fleet on December 18, 2025 and arrived to Salamis Naval Base, Greece on January 15, 2026.

Greek Patrol Vessels Spotted With SPIKE NLOS Launchers

During a recent exercise conducted by the Hellenic Navy, two patrol vessels, Machitis (P-266) and Nikiforos (P-267) were observed equipped with Rafael SPIKE NLOS launchers at their aft sections. Naval News had previously reported on this development in its 2023 article titled “Greek Naval Vessels to be Fitted with SPIKE Missiles”. According to that report, the four Machitis-class (HSY-56A) patrol vessels will be fitted with the Typhoon MLS-NLOS system, capable of carrying eight SPIKE Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) missiles per vessel. The 6th-generation, electro-optical/infrared multipurpose missile system will enable both sea-to-shore fire support and sea-to-sea targeting. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece Deploys FDI Frigate to Shield Cyprus Amid Iran Tensions

Greece moved swiftly to assist Cyprus, which has come under attack from hostile Iranian drones. Following a decision by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), the Hellenic Armed Forces are deploying the FDI HN frigate Kimon (F-601) which is currently the most advanced Greek warship and the only one capable to provide long-range air defense thanks to her SEAFIRE MFR and ASTER 30 SAM, an additional (Hydra-class/MEKO 200HN) frigate, Psara (F-454), that is also equipped with HAI's CENTAUR C-UAS system, and two pairs of F-16 Viper fighter jets to Cyprus, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on March 2, 2026. My story for Naval News, here.