Greece Strengthens Fleet: French Shipbuilder Begins Construction on Third Belharra-Class Frigate

The Hellenic Navy’s ambitious modernization program took a significant leap forward on April 15th, 2024, with the keel laying ceremony for the third FDI frigate, HS Formion, at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient.

This symbolic event marks the official start of construction for the vessel and underscores the robust industrial cooperation between France and Greece.

Strong Collaboration on Display

The ceremony itself was a testament to this collaboration.

SALAMIS SHIPYARDS, a key player in the Greek shipbuilding industry, had already delivered pre-outfitted hull blocks constructed in their Salamina Island facility.

This accomplishment was made possible through a comprehensive technology transfer program implemented by Naval Group.

These pre-assembled sections will now be integrated with other hull blocks at Lorient to form the complete structure of HS Formion.

On 15 April, the keel laying of the first block of the HS Formion multi-purpose frigate for the 🇬🇷 @NavyGR took place at the 🇫🇷 @navalgroup shipyard in 🇫🇷 Lorient. The three FDI frigates for 🇬🇷 will be delivered to @NavyGR in 2025 and 2026. pic.twitter.com/muJLmcqMBs

— Defence 360° (@Defence360) April 23, 2024

FDI HN Program Makes Steady Progress

The broader FDI HN program is progressing steadily.

The first frigate, HS Kimon, launched in October 2023 and has since undergone a series of successful tests.

These include harbor trials with the power-up of its Electrical Distribution and Combat Management Systems, a critical step towards operational readiness.

Additionally, the first two Aster 30 missile launch systems have been installed, bolstering the ship’s air defense capabilities.

Looking Ahead: Key Milestones on the Horizon

Looking ahead, the remainder of 2024 promises to be a period of intense activity for the program.

The latter half of the year is expected to see two major milestones: HS Kimon’s first sea trials, where the vessel will be put through its paces in an open-water environment, and the launch of HS Nearchos, the second frigate in the series.

[#Navgreek] ⚓️ 🇬🇷 Happy Greek Armed Forces Day!
Let's celebrate with a video of #FDI HS Kimon receiving her Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM). pic.twitter.com/Ul9NkwIpJq

— Naval Group (@navalgroup) November 21, 2023

Meanwhile, preparations for HS Nearchos‘ completion are also underway.

The frigate’s Platform Systems Integration Module (PSIM), the brain of the ship that integrates all its combat systems, is currently undergoing a rigorous five-month land-based testing phase.

Once this phase is complete, the PSIM will be installed onboard shortly after HS Nearchos‘ launch.

The 🇫🇷 @navalgroup Lorient shipyard is building the first two of a total of three FDI HN/Belh@rra multi-mission frigates ordered for the 🇬🇷 @NavyGR (HS Kimon, HS Nearchos and HS Formion). pic.twitter.com/Jj1IUczmif

— Defence 360° (@Defence360) October 19, 2022

Similarly, HS Formion’s PSIM is in the pre-outfitting stage, with cabling and equipment installation set to begin soon.

The final hull block, manufactured by SALAMIS SHIPYARDS, is scheduled for delivery in July, ensuring a seamless construction process.

The entire FDI program is on track for completion, with all three frigates slated for delivery to the Hellenic Navy by 2025 and 2026.

This swift and efficient construction timeline reflects the commitment of both the Naval Group and the Hellenic Navy to delivering a modern and powerful fleet.

FDI HN: Ushering in a New Era of Naval Warfare

The FDI frigates, also known as the Belharra-class frigates, are cutting-edge warships designed for the modern battlefield.

These 4,500-ton vessels are true multi-mission combatants, boasting advanced capabilities in anti-ship warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and special forces operations.

Notably, they are equipped with sophisticated systems to counter the growing threat of asymmetric warfare.

The frigates are packed with cutting-edge technology.

Thales, a leading French defense electronics company, has provided them with state-of-the-art radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems, ensuring maximum situational awareness and superior combat effectiveness.

The armament of these heavily armed vessels is equally impressive.

They carry MBDA Exocet anti-ship missiles, renowned for their lethality and precision.

Aster and RAM missiles provide robust layered air defense, while MU90 torpedoes ensure dominance in the undersea domain.

Key Specifications:

• Displacement: 4,500 tons
• Length: Approximately 122 meters (400 feet)
• Width: 18 meters (59 feet)
• Maximum Speed: 27 knots (50 kph/31 mph)
• Aviation Facilities: 10-ton helicopter, VTOL UAV

Additionally, the frigates are equipped with a 76mm deck gun for engaging smaller targets and various countermeasure systems to protect them from missile and torpedo attacks.

Further enhancing their operational flexibility, the FDI frigates can accommodate a 10-ton class helicopter, such as the NH90 or MH-60R, for reconnaissance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare missions.

Additionally, they have a dedicated landing pad and hangar for a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), significantly extending their intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities.

The keel laying of HS Formion marks a significant milestone in the Hellenic Navy’s modernization program.

These technologically advanced FDI frigates will not only bolster Greece’s naval defense capabilities but also serve as a potent symbol of the enduring strategic partnership between France and Greece.