Greece’s first Belharra-class frigate, Kimon is conducting her first sea trials near the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France. Measuring 122 meters (400 ft.) long and displacing approximately 4,500 tons, the vessel is the first of three Frégates de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI HN) ordered by the Hellenic Navy in a 2021 agreement with France.

Kimon undergoing sea trials / Photo Credit: Naval Group

Kimon features a CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel) propulsion system in which two diesel engines are connected to a single propeller shaft. The frigate features an advances arsenal of weapons, such as long-range air defense missiles, anti-ship missiles for surface targets, torpedoes for underwater threats, a naval gun and an automated close-in weapon systems.

Two additional Greek Belharra class frigates, Nearchos and Formion, are also under construction at the Naval Group shipyard. Nearchos is being outfitted in preparation for harbor trials later in the summer, while Formion was launched June 4th in the presence of Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.

During the launch ceremony for Formion, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced the planned acquisition of a fourth frigate to be named Themistocles. While the additional procurement will require parliamentary approval, Dendias confirmed the new deal includes over 25% Greek industrial participation, making Greece a co-producer of the new frigate.

Under the current agreement, ship blocks for the first three frigates have been manufactured at the Salamis Shipyard in Greece. Approximately 70 domestic companies are involved in Naval Group’s supply chain, contributing both components and systems for the construction of the current series Belharra-class frigates.

By 2026, the Hellenic Navy is expected to have all three multi-mission FDI frigates fully operational in Greek seas.

See the Kimon during sea trials in Naval Group’s official youtube video, or read more about the capabilities of the Kimon in Naval Group’s official press release here.