By D-Mitch
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| Kimon frigate arriving at Salamis Naval Base on January 15, 2026. Photo by Nick Thodos (@ThNick_ on X) |
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| Signing ceremony in March 2022 for Greece’s procurement of 3+1 FDI HN frigates. Photo: Ministry of National Defence |
Replacing Legacy Platforms
The FDI HN frigates will progressively replace the Elli-class (Kortenaer/S) frigates, which have served as the backbone of the fleet for more than four decades. At the same time, nearly thirty years have passed since the last modern Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigate, Salamis, entered service. For decades, Greece relied on incremental upgrades rather than generational renewal.
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Two Elli-class (Kortenaer/S) frigates, of the total nine in the Fleet, in formation. The foreground vessel is modernized, while the one in the background remains in its original configuration. |
The decommissioning of the last of the four former U.S. Navy C.F. Adams-class destroyers in 2004 left the Hellenic Navy without a true area air-defense platform. Those ships, equipped with 40-kilometer-range SM-1MR surface-to-air missiles (SAM), provided the only fleet-wide protective umbrella in high-threat environments. Today, while the Navy operates ESSM (and the older NSSM) missiles, it lacks radar systems such as APAR or SPY/AEGIS that would allow full exploitation of ESSM’s engagement envelope. The arrival of the Kimon class begins to address this structural capability gap while several characteristics of the new frigate are introduced for the first time in the Hellenic Navy.
Displacing approximately 4,600 tons in the Greek configuration, the FDI HN is a compact yet exceptionally capable multipurpose frigate. Conceived as a first-rate, scalable, and versatile combatant, it integrates the full spectrum of functions required to address both current and emerging threats, whether operating independently or as part of a task group. Designed for high-intensity naval warfare, the platform combines advanced automation with a fully digital architecture, delivering robust and high-level capabilities across anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare domains.
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| Early Naval Group graphic illustrating the baseline configuration of an FDI frigate. |
A Digitally Native Combatant
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the FDI HN is not its missile count but its architecture. The FDI is the first frigate designed from inception with a fully digital onboard architecture built around two redundant data centers hosting a virtualized software environment. This design provides intrinsic cyber resilience and enables continuous, incremental capability upgrades throughout the ship’s service life.
Rather than relying on costly mid-life modernization programs, the FDI HN can adapt progressively to technological and operational evolution. This approach is particularly relevant in an era defined by rapidly advancing missile technology, sophisticated submarines, cyber warfare, and multi-domain asymmetric threats.
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Charles F. Adams-class destroyer Kimon (D-218) launching an SM-1 SAM during an exercise. The ship was acquired by the Hellenic Navy in 1991, decommissioned in June 2004 and scrapped in 2006. Photo: Hellenic Navy. |
Expansion of the Program
Although the initial contract covered three ships plus an option, Greece formally exercised that option on 14 November 2025, ordering a fourth frigate. Earlier, on 1 April 2025, Naval Group had presented Greece’s political and military leadership with a broader proposal that included the possibility of locally constructing three additional ships beyond the four already contracted, signaling the long-term strategic potential of the program.
The four 122-meter multi-mission frigates form the Kimon class, named after the historic Greek admirals Kimon, Nearchos, Formion, and Themistocles, names previously borne by the former C.F. Adams destroyers operated by Greece (1991-2004).
The fourth-ship agreement was not merely an expansion in numbers. It was amendments of the two contracts signed in March 2022 concerning the procurement of FDI HN frigates (contract no. 016B/21) and their follow-on support (FOS) (contract no. 017B/21). The first amendment included the exercise of the purchase option for the fourth frigate (HN4 Themistocles) and incorporated upgrades to the first three vessels (HN1 Kimon, HN2 Nearchos, and HN3 Formion), while the second amendment extended their initial three-year FOS arrangements, and provided FOS coverage for the fourth ship.
These upgrades were directly shaped by lessons drawn from the wars in Ukraine and Israel, as well as from Greece’s operational participation in EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES. The evolving operational environment, particularly the proliferation of unmanned systems, loitering munitions, and saturation missile attacks, has significantly influenced the configuration roadmap.
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| Infographic of Kimon Class (FDI HN) Frigate. By D-Mitch, 2026. |
Weapons Procurement and Inventory Considerations
The original 2022 contract included the procurement of ASTER 30 Block 1 SAM, EXOCET MM40 Block 3C surface-to-surface missiles (SSM), MU90 torpedoes, and CANTO anti-torpedo decoys. However, the subsequent agreement for the fourth frigate did not automatically incorporate additional missile or torpedo procurement. Notably, no amendment was made to the missile package contract signed with MBDA in March 2022 (contract no. 018B/21).
It should be recalled that Contract No. 018B/21 included an option for the acquisition of the missile loadout for the fourth frigate at a cost of €200 million. Furthermore, the original shipbuilding contract (no. 016B/21) stipulated that, should this option be exercised, the fourth Hellenic Navy frigate (HN4) would also receive four MU90 torpedoes and eight CANTO countermeasures at an additional cost of €10 million.
The initial missile package provided approximately 1.2 loads (ASTER 30 and EXOCET) for each of the first three frigates. As a result, a total of 116 ASTER 30 missiles are currently planned. However, fully loading all 32 vertical launch cells on each of the four ships (128 cells in total) would require 128 missiles, leaving no reserve stock and, under current quantities, preventing the complete arming of the HN4. The EXOCET procurement similarly amounted to 29 missiles. These figures strongly indicate that a supplementary missile order will be necessary to ensure operational sustainability and adequate wartime depth.
The original order also included 54 CANTO decoys, sufficient to equip all four ships, as each frigate carries 12 decoys in two sextuple CMLS launchers. In contrast, only 15 MU90 torpedoes were procured, a quantity insufficient to provide even a single full load per ship, given that each frigate is fitted with two twin torpedo launchers and has storage room for up to 15 torpedoes. In practical terms and based on the contract, the allocation corresponds to five torpedoes and 18 CANTO decoys per frigate. Notably, the amendments related to the HN4 make no reference to additional procurement of either MU90 torpedoes or CANTO countermeasures.
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Infographic by Naval Group depicting the key features of an FDI frigate. Notably, it includes CAMM-ER missiles and illustrates a mixed loadout of 11 NCM, 11 CAMM-ER, and 10 ASTER 30 missiles. This configuration is not operationally viable and is shown for illustrative purposes only, as each vertical launch module accommodates eight missiles of a single type. Additionally, the number of ASW decoys is incorrectly shown as nine; each CMLS system carries 12 CANTO decoys. |
From Standard 1 to Standard 2++
The Greek FDI HN frigates will undergo a phased capability evolution through 2030, transitioning from Standard 1, equivalent to the French Navy baseline configuration, to Standard 2, Standard 2+, and ultimately Standard 2++. Kimon is delivered in Standard 1 configuration, although Standard 2 components are physically installed onboard but not yet all integrated into the SETIS combat management system (CMS). This reflects the fact that Kimon (F-601) and Nearchos (F-602) were originally intended for the French Navy as replacements for the five La Fayette-class frigates. In other words, France effectively gave up its production slots for the second and third FDI-class frigates in favor of Greece, with hulls originally intended for the French Navy reassigned to the Hellenic Navy. France subsequently initiated new constructions to complete the five warships required under its own program.
France currently has one FDI in active service and three under construction while the order for the fifth frigate is expected in the coming years. Contrary to early reports, Nearchos will be delivered directly in Standard 2 configuration rather than Formion (F-603). Formion will become the first ship to receive the Standard 2+ upgrade package, while Themistocles (F-600) will be constructed from the outset in the Standard 2+ configuration and will be delivered in this configuration in December 2028. Nearchos, once again, will be the first ship to receive the Standard 2++ upgrade package in 2029.
All four ships are expected to reach the Standard 2 configuration by 2028. In this configuration, the Greek frigates will be more heavily armed and better equipped than their French counterparts. In Standard 2 configuration, the Greek frigates will feature 16 extra ASTER 30 Block 1 SAMs, SYLENA Mk1 AAW decoy launching systems (DLS), and a 21-tube Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). In addition to these enhancements, each frigate will be equipped with a naval laser warning system (NLWS) with nine sensors, WiMax/5G connectivity enabling Level-4 data capabilities, a CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned aerial system (UAS) configured for Level-4 operations with two air vehicles both housed in the FDI’s dedicated hangar, and an OTO 76/62SR main gun with Multi-Feeding Device (MFD).
The final Standard 2++ configuration represents a significant leap in capability. It includes major software upgrades to the SETIS CMS, enhancements to both the RAM CIWS and the OTO 76/62 main gun (including Block 2/Mk44 Mod 4 variants and advanced 76mm ammunition), as well as improvements to sensors and electronic systems will further enhance combat effectiveness. Full integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 will expand surveillance and targeting capabilities, while improved cross-platform weapon integration will enhance network-centric operations.
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| HAI's CENTAUR C-UAS system on board frigate Hydra. The assessment process for the installation of the C-UAS system on the FDI HN frigates has already begun. Photo: Ministry of National Defence |
The contract for four CAMCOPTER S-100 systems (eight air vehicles in total) was signed on February 13, 2026. However, the contract for new RAM missiles intended to equip the FDI HN-type frigates is still pending. The estimated cost to elevate Themistocles, and each frigate, to Standard 2++ configuration is approximately €5 million per vessel, while upgrading the first three ships collectively to that level is projected at around €61 million.
Beyond the Standard 2++ roadmap, Greece is examining the installation of cruise missiles on the final three ships by replacing one SYLVER A50 launcher module with a SYLVER A70 module, thereby introducing a deep-strike capability. The final three vessels are being constructed with the necessary structural provisions to accommodate this modification. Separately, the integration of HAI’s CENTAUR (Kentavros) counter-UAS system and an advanced R-ECM suite developed by Thales in cooperation with ELT Group will further enhance survivability in complex threat environments.
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| Kimon frigate arriving at Salamis Naval Base on January 15, 2026. Photo by Nick Thodos (@ThNick_ on X) |
Strategic Implications
With the first ship entering service in 2026 and the upgrade roadmap extending through 2030, the Kimon-class marks the reestablishment of credible high-end maritime power for Greece. It restores layered air defense, introduces advanced digital combat systems, strengthens anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and lays the groundwork for future strike integration.
More than a procurement program, the FDI HN initiative constitutes a structural transformation of Greek naval power. It repositions the Hellenic Navy as a modern, network-centric force capable of operating independently or as part of allied task groups across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
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| Kimon, the first FDI HN frigate. Naval Group photo. |
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