Greece Approves Acquisition of VICTA Diver Delivery Units and V-BAT Drones

On June 11, 2026, the Special Permanent Committee on Armament Programs and Contracts of the Hellenic Parliament approved eight defense procurement programs worth more than €1 billion for the Hellenic Armed Forces. Among them are programs for the acquisition of ten VICTA Diver Delivery Units (DDUs) from British company SubSea Craft (SSC), with six craft intended for the Special Warfare Command (SWC) of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) and four for the Underwater Demolition Command (UDC) of the Hellenic Navy. The approved programs also include the acquisition of ten V-BAT Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) from US company Shield AI. Four systems, comprising eight aircraft and their associated mission payloads, will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy. My story for Naval News, here.

Naval Group Offers Blacksword Barracuda Submarine to Greece

Naval Group has proposed its latest Blacksword Barracuda submarine design to the Hellenic Navy as part of the service’s next-generation submarine program for four new attack submarines, responding to a RFI issued to industry at the end of 2025. The future submarine program is expected to replace Greece’s existing fleet of four 50-year-old Type 209/1100 and Type 209/1200 submarines. According to Naval Group Country Director David Pinot, the company determined that the Barracuda-derived design best aligns with the operational and technical requirements outlined by the Hellenic Navy. The Blacksword Barracuda is derived from the nuclear-powered Suffren-class submarine but adapted as a conventionally powered platform. The same design family was selected by the Royal Netherlands Navy for its future Orka-class submarine program (4 boats too). They will be the first submarines of the RNLN that are built at a foreign shipyard. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece Orders RAM Block 2A Missiles for Fast Attack Craft, FDI Frigates to Follow

The General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence announced that on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Contract No. 001B/25 was signed by the Director General of GDDIA, Major General Ioannis Bouras, with RAM–SYSTEM (RAMSYS) GmbH for the procurement of 52 RAM Block 2A (RIM-116D) guided missiles. The program had previously been approved by the Hellenic Parliament on December 3, 2025 and is primarily intended to equip the 21-cell RAM launchers of the last two Hellenic Navy Roussen-class (Super Vita) Fast Attack Missile Craft (FACM), P-78 Karathanasis and P-79 Vlahakos. In addition, the acquisition includes 10 extra missiles to reinforce the Navy’s overall stockpile. A second batch of RAM Block 2B missiles expected in the near future for integration on the FDI HN frigates. 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

Copyright © NAVALANALYSES (navalanalyses.com). All rights reserved. Reproduction, republication, or translation of this content without permission is prohibited. Only brief excerpts (30–40 words) may be used with attribution and a link to navalanalyses.com.

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.

Greece procures CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS for FDI HN Frigates

On Febryary 13, 2026, the Hellenic Navy signed a contract to acquire four Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS for its Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates. The first system, each system with two S-100 air vehicles, will be deployed on frigate HS Kimon in spring 2026, alongside a land-based system for training, with initial crews completing training by the same period. Representing Naval News at DEFEA 2025, I first reported details on the Hellenic Navy’s S-100 programme in 2025, when Lubos Šrámek, Sales Director for Europe at Schiebel, shared exclusive insights into the S-100 CAMCOPTER UAS during an interview with me. My story for Naval News, here.

Hellenic Navy Receives Its First FDI Frigate Built by Naval Group

On December 18, 2025, in Lorient, France, Naval Group delivered HS Kimon (F601), the first Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI HN) for the Hellenic Navy. The ceremony was attended by Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin. Also present were the Deputy Minister of National Defence; Members of Parliament; senior leadership of the Hellenic Armed Forces; former Ministers of Defence, retired generals and admirals; and donors to the Armed Forces, including the ship’s sponsor, Rear Admiral (h.c.) Panos Laskaridis. Diplomatic and industry representatives included the Greek Ambassador to France, the Ambassador of the French Republic to Greece, Naval Group Chairman & CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet, representatives of foreign diplomatic and military delegations, officials from Greek defense industries, and other distinguished guests. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece Signs MoU With Italy for Two FREMM Frigates

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, visited La Spezia, Italy on September 29, 2025, during the opening day of the SEAFUTURE exhibition. There, he met with his Italian counterpart, Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, who was joined by the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino. The discussions were held aboard ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598), an Italian Navy FREMM frigate, a symbolic venue that highlighted the maritime focus of the agenda. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece Commits to 4th FDI Frigate Procurement

The Greek government tonight moved forward with the decision to procure a fourth FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, which will be named Themistocles, with all four FDI HN frigates slated for upgrades to the Standard 2++ configuration. The Hellenic Parliament now has to vote to approve this decision. This formality is expected to take place next week. The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, participated today, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in the meeting of the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), under the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. My story for Naval News, here.

Upgraded Hellenic Navy P-3B Orion Completes First Flight

The Hellenic Navy’s first upgraded P-3B Orion maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft has successfully completed its maiden test flight on September 1, 2025, marking a key milestone after prolonged delays. The flight validated the aircraft’s onboard systems, including its state-of-the-art glass cockpit and mission data interfaces, which will enhance the Hellenic Navy’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Lockheed Martin and Hellenic Aerospace Industry’s announcement is accompanied by my overview of the P-3’s service in Greece, along with a detailed account of the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program. My story for Naval News, here.

Onboard the First Greek FDI for Sea Trials

Kimon, the first of the Greek FDI HN multi-mission frigates, has entered its second phase of sea trials off the coast of Brittany, France. Measuring 122 meters and displacing 4,500 tons, the FDI HN is poised to become one of the most capable and technologically advanced surface combatants in its class. Naval News was on board and can now bring you exclusive insights into the vessel’s capabilities and performance. My story for Naval News, here.

Hellenic Navy Conducts its Largest Missile Firing Exercise

On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Hellenic Navy conducted training launches of guided missiles in the wider area of the southern Ionian Sea. The exercise was observed by Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, and Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos. Greece showcased its naval strength with a spectacular live-fire exercise involving twelve missiles of seven different types—highlighting the full range of the Hellenic Navy’s arsenal and its combat readiness. This marked the largest live missile-firing drill in the Navy’s history. My story for Naval News, here.

Hellenic Navy Outlines Requirements for Next-Generation Submarine Program

On May 22, 2025, at the Combined Naval Event (CNE) in Farnborough, UK, a Navy Leaders Conference, Commodore Konstantinos Tourkantonis, Deputy Director of the Armaments Directorate of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, revealed new details for the imminent modernization of the Hellenic Navy’s submarine fleet. It is worth noting that the Greek Commodore previously served as Director of the submarine program, giving him direct and extensive involvement in Greece’s submarine initiatives. He also held the position of Commander of the Hellenic Navy Submarine Command. Naval News was present for the briefing, titled “Submarine Modernization Across the Hellenic Naval Force,” and here are the key takeaways from the presentation. My story for Naval News, here.

First Greek FDI HN Frigate Starts Sea Trials

The first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, started her first sea trials on May 21st in Lorient. Developed to be operated by the Hellenic Navy, the FDI HS Kimon has begun her sea trials from the Naval Group site of Lorient, Brittany. The trials will be carefully attended by the Hellenic Navy representatives. Thanks to the experience gained during the Amiral Ronarc’h sea trials, the trials of HS Kimon will be performed much faster. The first period at sea will be mainly dedicated to test the platform systems including propulsion and navigation systems. The second period at sea, in a few weeks, will be dedicated to combat systems and endurance at sea. 2025 marks a key milestone for the FDI programme, with sea trials and the upcoming delivery of the first frigate for the Hellenic Navy, along with the imminent launching of the third vessel, HS Formion. By 2026, the Hellenic Navy will operate three first-rank, multi-mission FDI HN frigates. My story for Naval News, here.

S-100 CAMCOPTER UAS Strengthens Greek FDI Frigate Capabilities

In an exclusive interview with Naval News at Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA) 2025, Lubos Sramek, Sales Director for Europe at Schiebel, shared key insights into the S-100 CAMCOPTER Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air System (UAS), which is set to equip Hellenic Navy’s future Kimon -class (FDI HN) multi-mission frigates. The S-100, CAMCOPTER developed by Austrian manufacturer Schiebel, has been selected for integration with Naval Group’s SETIS combat management system (CMS) aboard Greek FDI HN frigates, significantly enhancing the ships’ operational capabilities across multiple domains. While the contract has not yet been signed, it is expected to be finalized in the coming months. My story for Naval News, here.

Naval Group & HAI Sign MoU for FDI Frigate C-UAS capabilities

At DEFEA 2025, Naval News learned that Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Naval Group to integrate the combat-proven CENTAUR counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) aboard the Hellenic Navy’s Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates, with plans to extend the integration to other surface vessels, including the French Navy’s FDI frigates. This agreement aims to enhance the frigates’ capabilities with a fully integrated solution for countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems—from detection to interception. Naval News visited HAI’s booth and obtained details on the final industrialized version of the CENTAUR system, whose prototype has been successfully deployed in the Red Sea and is currently in service aboard Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates, demonstrating strong performance against UAV threats. HAI also unveiled a new lightweight and compact C-UAS system, named IPERION, which was presented to the public for the first time. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece Orders Exocet MM40 Block 3C Anti-Ship Missiles

On Monday, April 14, 2025, Greece signed an intergovernmental agreement with France for the procurement of 16 EXOCET MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles with land attack capability from MBDA. The Interstate Convention was officially signed in Athens by Major General Ioannis Bouras, General Director of the General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), and Mrs Annie Kristina Ramon, representative of MBDA (missile systems), in the presence of the Greek and French Ministers of Defense, Nikos Dendias and Sébastien Lecornu, respectively. The signing took place during an official visit by the French delegation, underscoring the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations. My story for Naval News, here.

New Frigates, Submarines, Patrol Vessels and Several Upgrade Programs for Greece

On April 10, Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias addressed the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Standing Committee on Armament Programmes and Contracts regarding the Long-term Planning of Defence Armaments of the Armed Forces 2025–2036. The following day, April 11, he expanded on the program in an interview with journalist Apostolos Mangiriadis at the Delphi Economic Forum X. In both appearances, he presented the long-awaited defense procurement plan for the Hellenic Armed Forces. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen national defense and upgrade military capabilities over the next 12 years in response to rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics. Central to the plan is a comprehensive naval armament program. The Long-term Planning of Defence Armaments 2025–2036 is aligned with the new Force Structure and forms a key component of the broader “Agenda 2030” reform framework. It encompasses a wide range of projects, with particular emphasis on the modernization and expansion of the Hellenic Navy. My story for Naval News, here.

Naval Group Offers Greece Local Build of 3 More FDI Frigates

A few days after reports in the Greek media suggested Greece’s interest in acquiring used Bergamini-class (FREMM IT) frigates from the Italian Navy—and amid ongoing discussions between the two sides, including last Sunday’s visit by Greek military and political leaders to the frigate Carlo Margottini, which was stationed in Piraeus in the presence of the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino—Naval News has learned that French shipbuilder Naval Group has presented the Greek authorities with a proposal aimed at strengthening the French-Greek cooperation in naval defense and technology. The proposal includes, among other elements, the local construction of three (3) additional Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates, in addition to the four (4) already set to be acquired by Greece, with the finalization of the fourth frigate expected in the coming days. My story for Naval News, here.