Following the delivery in 2025 of the F/G KIMON, the first FDI in the series of four frigates being built for the Hellenic Navy, Naval Group, together with its French and Greek partners, is moving full steam ahead with the construction of the next three FDIs: the frigate Nearchos, the frigate Formion, and the frigate Themistocles, Naval Group announced.
For the Hellenic Navy, 2026 marks significant milestones, including:
- The arrival of the F/G KIMON in Greece in mid-January (following its departure from Brest on January 7)
- The delivery of the two ships, NEARCHOS and FORMION
Program Progress
Regarding the F/G NEARCHOS:
Second FDI for the Hellenic Navy.
Sea trials began in February 2026.
Final acceptance trials and at-sea readiness activities will be completed in the second half of the year.
Regarding the F/G FORMIOS:
Third FDI for the Hellenic Navy.
The first sea trials began on June 22. This initial two-week period is dedicated to safety and propulsion (speed, maneuverability, etc.). And thanks to the production process—hull and PSIM in parallel—the main Combat Systems sensors can even be tested starting with this first phase.
This milestone also marks the success of Naval Group’s consistent and ambitious Greek Industrial Participation (HIP) program, as the frigate incorporates numerous components manufactured in Greece, all delivered on time: e.g., AKMON (consoles), METLEN (torpedo hatches), KAFKAS (electrical panels), Marita HELLAS (life rafts), MEVACO (marine systems equipment), SALAMIS SHIPYARDS (pre-fitted hulls), VIKING NORDSAFE HELLAS (RHIB).
- Delivery by the end of 2026.
Regarding the F/G THEMISTOKLES:
The fourth FDI for the Hellenic Navy, ordered in November 2025.
The pre-equipped blocks, manufactured entirely by Salamis Shipyards, have been assembled onto the FDI F/G THEMISTOKLES.
The hull assembly is being moved to the dock and, in fact, was recently floated to change its position on the dock.
Assembly and outfitting activities are continuing (outfitting, fluids, insulation, piping, electrical systems), propulsion, painting, etc., ahead of its launch in the spring of 2027.
Meanwhile, construction of the Panoramic Sensor and Intelligence Module (PSIM) is underway
The FDI, a high-intensity operations vessel
As a front-line frigate, the FDI has proven its capabilities across all domains of warfare (anti-air, anti-submarine, surface warfare, and asymmetric threats). Scalable and flexible, it combines all the operational capabilities required to counter—either autonomously or as part of a strike force—current and emerging threats, such as latest-generation submarines, hypersonic missiles, cyberattacks, and complex asymmetric threats. Its compact layout and unique design make it ideal for diverse environments and challenging maritime conditions around the world.
Key Features
- Displacement: 4,500-metric-ton class
- Length: 122 meters
- Beam: 18 meters
- Speed: 27 knots
- Range: 45 days
- Capacity: crew of 125 + 28 passengers
Focus on HIP
As part of the HIP (Hellenic Industrial Participation) program signed in 2022, more than 120 contracts have been signed with approximately 70 Greek companies for the construction of Greek and French FDIs.
Beyond the FDI program, this industrial plan has already yielded numerous and lasting economic benefits for Greek industry, as it has enabled Greek companies to join Naval Group’s supply chain for current and future French and export programs. Already, 75 Greek companies are registered on Naval Group’s supply chain platform. From this broader perspective, the Greek Defense Industrial and Technological Base (DITB) will strengthen its position in the global naval defense market.
Recent examples:
- In March,
- Naval Group and METLEN signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding submarine and surface ship projects.
- Naval Group organized the Research and Development (R&D) Partners Day in Athens. The event, inaugurated by the Director of GDDIA, Brigadier General Ionnais Bourras, aims to identify new opportunities for cooperation between Naval Group and its Greek partners, both within the framework of European Union calls for proposals and at the bilateral level, with the goal of exploring new technological fields. This year’s event brought together approximately 100 participants, primarily from Greece’s defense industry and technology sector, including companies, laboratories, technology research centers, and academic institutions such as universities.
- In May, two major contracts were signed with Mevaco and AKMON S.A. for the production of four sets of shipboard equipment, each consisting of more than 50 electronic consoles and cabinets for the FDI frigates.
- Since 2022, Salamina Shipyards has been fully integrated into Naval Group’s supply chain for both the French and Greek FDI programs. Fifteen of the 21 sections ordered have already been delivered. Their consistent delivery schedule allows us to ensure the timely and high-quality construction of the FDIs for our customers’ navies. Additional sections are expected, and the next shipment is already scheduled for this summer.