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.

Barbaros-Class Frigates Enter "Beast Mode" with Major MLU

Written by D-Mitch

TCG Orucreis frigate after MLU during Exercise Dynamic

Mariner / Flotex 25. Photo by Anadolu Agency.

Today, the Turkish Turkish Naval Forces (Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri) operate a fleet of four Barbaros-class multipurpose frigates. Two of these ships were built by the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, while the other two were constructed at Turkey’s Gölcük Naval Shipyard with German assistance. Construction of the lead ship, TCG Barbaros (F-244), began in April 1992, and all four vessels were commissioned between 1995 and 2000. The Barbaros-class frigates are approximately 7 meters longer than the earlier Yavuz-class frigates (four ships) and have a full load displacement of around 3,400 tons. Compared to their predecessors, they feature a more advanced propulsion system—CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas)—which allows for a higher top speed. They also incorporate upgraded electronic and sensor systems. Until the commissioning of TCG Istanbul (F-515, the lead ship of the first indigenous Istif-class frigates in January 2024, the Barbaros-class frigates were considered the most modern vessels in the Turkish Navy. Today, the ships of the class are undergoing a comprehensive Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) to enhance their combat capabilities and extend their service life into the 2040s. This article offers a detailed and thorough examination of the Barbaros-class frigates and their extensive (and impressive) MLU.

INFOGRAPHICS #65: Future Surface Combatants Vol. VΙII (Wicher class, MPCS EVO, BR71 MKII)

Written by D-Mitch

In this post, I’ve shared some of the infographics I created and published on social media, featuring new surface combatants that are either under construction and nearing service entry, as well as proposed designs that have not yet secured a customer.

 

1. Wicher-class (Arrowhead 140PL/Miecznik Project) frigate of the Polish Navy (3 ships)

 

Wicher class frigate of the Polish Navy. Image from the YouTube video by Kamil Sa here.

INFOGRAPHICS #64: PES 10714CO, the new light frigate of the Colombian Navy

Written by D-Mitch

Damen-Cotecmar PES 10714CO, the new
light frigate of the Colombian Navy

In this comprehensive post, I illustrate the equipment details of the Colombian Navy's new light frigate using graphical representations. Drawing from the latest insights sourced from infodefensa.com and with invaluable assistance from Erich Saumeth Cadavid, an esteemed analyst and correspondent at infodefensa, Janes, and Mönch, we delve into the evolving construction progress and specifications of this new design for the program Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES). The design is based on the proven design of the SIGMA 10514 multi-mission light frigate/corvette of Damen that was successfully constructed in other non-Damen shipyards, and serves with the Navies of Mexico and Indonesia. According to the Colombian MoD, Colombia selected Damen Shipyards as the technological ally because it obtained the best conditions in terms of effectiveness, cost and risk for the joint development of the contractual design of the frigate in Colombia. The PES programme calls for the local construction of up to five (5) frigates to replace the Colombian Navy's four ageing Almirante Padilla-class (FS1500) frigates, and its two Pohang-class corvettes that were acquired from the Republic of Korea Navy. 

INFOGRAPHICS #63: Hydra Class Upgrade Program

Infographic of a MEKO 200HN after the capability upgrade program.
Image by D-Mitch and @Aylont1

In April 2023, the Armaments Committee of the Greek Parliament has approved the implementation of a +€600 million modernization program (platform and mission systems) for the four Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates in order to extend their life by another 15-20 years. The program will be carried out by the consortium of TKMS and Thales (Thales Nederland) which were selected as the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), at a Greek shipyard which the consortium will select. The upgrade program which is referred as “Capability Upgrade” and not MLU indicating a less extensive work, was expected to begin in 2024 and to last 7 years. Note that the overall Hydra capability upgrade program consists of a number of separate sub-programs such as the acquisition and integration of ESSM Block 2 SAM, the upgrade, overhaul and/or replacement of the engines (part of it has been already executed), the upgrade or overhaul of the mission and platform systems (the program that will be executed by TKMS and Thales), the upgrade of Phalanx CIWS to the latest configuration Block 1B Baseline 2 and the upgrade of the Mk45 main gun system.Other sub-programs might be also carried out such as the installation of two RWS, L-ESM system, R-ECM or C-UAV suite, and so on. There are indications that not all ships of the class will undergo upgrades; instead, a select 2-3 vessels may receive more extensive enhancements, while the remaining ship(s) will leverage spare parts sourced from the upgraded ones. Read more 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

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

NAVAL FORCES #13: The future of the Greek naval forces by 2030

The following infographic provides an overview of the Hellenic Navy's planned procurement of naval vessels and aircraft, as well as the expected modernization and upgrade of in-service vessels. The period we are focusing in spans from July 8, 2019, when the new government under Prime Minister K. Mitsotakis was formed, to the end of the current decade. The graph illustrates the serious effort by the government and the current leadership of the Hellenic Navy to modernize the Greek naval forces after years of cutbacks and inactivity. Details of the planned procurements and upgrades in my article for Naval News site here.

 

INFOGRAPHICS #60: Future Surface Combatants Vol. V (Amiral Ronarc'h-class, Kimon-class, Anadolu-class)

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. 

 

1. Amiral Ronarc'h-class (FDI) frigates of the French Navy (5 ships)

 

Amiral Ronarc'h-class (FDI) frigate of the French Navy

INFOGRAPHICS #59: Future Surface Combatants Vol. IV (Pohjanmaa-class, Al Jubail-class, Bani Yas-class)

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

 

1. Pohjanmaa-class corvette of the Finnish Navy (4 ships)

Pohjanmaa-class corvette of the Finnish Navy. High resolution image here.

INFOGRAPHICS #58: Future Surface Combatants Vol. III (Arrowhead 140PL, Thaon di Revel-class, F126-class)

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.

 

1. Arrowhead 140PL type frigates of the Polish Navy (3 ships)

Arrowhead 140PL class frigate of the Polish Navy

INFOGRAPHICS #57: Future Surface Combatants Vol. II (DDX, Istif-class and FAC55-class)

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.

 

1. DDX (under development) class destroyer of the Italian Navy (2 ships) 

 

DDX (unknown class), the future destroyer of the Italian Navy. High resolution image here.

 

INFOGRAPHICS #56: The new European surface combatant designs, 2023-2029

The following table, was created together with Eptanisios, and includes all the known European surface combatant designs, destroyers, frigates and corvettes, that are under construction or under development, and are expected to enter service by 2029. The types/classes are listed in decreasing size (length and displacement) from left to right. As you can read also "bigger doesn't mean always stronger"! For some of them, the newest designs, the technical characteristics and armaments are not the exact ones. Note also that Russian designs are not included. Also Ukrainian designs are excluded too because it is uncertain if the shipbuilding process will continue (Ada-class). The winning designs of the Romanian and Greek corvette programs will be included in the table as soon as the result is known. It should be clarified also that some of the designs may do not carry 20-30mm RWS (such as the Type 31/AH140PL) but they do carry 40mm guns which cover both roles, CIWS and protection against asymmetrical threats, and the opposite. You can enjoy the infographics of some of the designs included in the table, here.

 

New European surface combatant designs, 2023-2029.

INFOGRAPHICS #55: United States Navy aircraft carriers since 1920

The following image created by Donn Thorson depicts all the classes of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers from 1920 till today. For all the classes, the author reports the vessels that were in each class, the general characteristics, the sensors and the main armament. Other illustrations related to U.S. Navy you can find here.

United States Navy aircraft carriers since 1920, by Donn Thorson

 

INFOGRAPHICS #54: World War II and Cold War submarines of the Soviet Navy

The following images were created by Naval Encyclopedia and depict the majority of the submarine classes that served with the Soviet Navy (Military Maritime Fleet of the USSR) during World War II and Cold War (1947-1991). You can read the complete article here. Enjoy! 

Soviet Navy WWII submarines

Soviet Navy submarines during Cold War. Profiles by Mike 1979 Russia

INFOGRAPHICS #53: Characteristics of the corvette candidates for the Hellenic Navy's corvette program

By Lysimachos Samasitis

An Egyptian Gowind 2500 corvette and a Greek Hydra
class frigate in an exercise. Photo by Nick Thodos

This post is about the characteristics of the corvette candidates for the Hellenic Navy's corvette program. The Navy’s program amounts to €5 billion, and includes the construction of a combination of frigates and corvettes that will replace the nine old Elli (Kortenaer)-class frigates, the upgrade of some of the four Hydra-class (MEKO-200HN) frigates and the acquisition (if possible) of interim solution ships (at least two major surface combatants). The frigate program has been awarded to the French shipbuilder Naval Group which is already in advanced negotiations with Greece to supply up to four FDI frigates. It is expected that the winner of the corvette program will build four vessels. The following table is the result of an effort to capture the basic characteristics of the proposed corvettes for the Greek naval program by Lysimachos Samasitis.

INFOGRAPHICS #52: Royal Navy battleships, battlecruisers and HMS Warrior

The following images are created by Steve Freeman (sfreeman421 for deviantart) and depict all the classes of battleships and battlecruisers that served with the Royal Navy as well as the famous HMS Warrior, the first ocean-going armour-plated, iron-hulled warship, which is now a museum ship. Enjoy this great artwork! 

Royal Navy battleships. Original artwork and illustration: Steve Freeman.

INFOGRAPHICS #51: Αmphibious Ready Group (ARG)

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway
in formation in the Atlantic Ocean, 2009. The 22nd Marine
Expeditionary Unit, deployed aboard the ships of the
Bataan ARG, is serving as the theater reserve force
for U.S. European Command. U.S. Marine Corps photo

An amphibious ready group (ARG) of the United States Navy consists of a naval element—a group of warships known as an Amphibious Task Force (ATF)—and a landing force (LF) of U.S. Marines (and, occasionally U.S. Army soldiers), totaling about 5,000 people. Together, these elements and supporting units are trained, organized, and equipped to perform amphibious operations.The resulting forces may range from a single Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) [ARG/MEU (SOC)], to a larger organization capable of employing a Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) or even a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). Normally two to three ARGs are forward deployed: one in the Mediterranean Sea/Persian Gulf–Indian Ocean area, and one or two in the western Pacific Ocean area. The other ships of the ARG are either working up to deploy, in transit, or in overhaul. One ARG/MEU, known as Task Force 76/Expeditionary Strike Group 7, is forward based in Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan. In most cases, the ATF will be deployed under the protective umbrella of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which provides cover for the ATF and combat support to operations ashore. Ships of the ATF are capable of embarking and supporting other forces when the mission requires, including the United States Army, Special Operations Forces (SOF), or other joint and combined forces.

INFOGRAPHICS #50: Hellenic Navy - Present and future inventory

By Aylont1

The following graph depicts the present inventory of the Hellenic Navy in vessels analytically and an estimation of the future composition of the Fleet. Where MLU This excellent graphs was created for Naval Analyses by Aylont1, a Twitter account worth following!

Hellenic Navy, present and future inventory, by Aylont1.
High resolution image here.

INFOGRAPHICS #49: Mid-Life Upgrade of Brandenburg-class frigates

Frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Kiel. Photo: D-Mitch

On July 30, 2021, Saab signed a contract with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), and has received an order to deliver and integrate new naval radars and fire control directors for and in the German Navy’s Frigates of the Brandenburg-Class (F123). The contract includes a new combat management system in order to completely overhaul the system currently in use on the F123, allowing a low risk integration of the new naval radars and fire control capabilities. The order value is approximately 4,6 billion SEK. Deliveries and other services will take place between 2021 and 2030. Saab will be the prime contractor and will contract the German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen for the shipbuilding work while the German company ESG will carry out logistical support.