French shipbuilding major Naval Group has signed a contract with Greece for the construction of an additional defence and intervention (FDI) frigate for the Hellenic Navy.
This fourth FDI is a continuation of the FDI HN program launched in 2022, which encompasses the supply of three FDI frigates plus one optional, with an ambitious industrial cooperation plan with Greece.
The new contract covers the acquisition of a fourth FDI frigate and its maintenance, with the extension of additional capabilities across the entire FDI HN fleet.
“We are very honoured by Greece’s order for this fourth FDI frigate. With the first three already at an advanced stage of production, this order is a mark of confidence and confirmation of the Hellenic Navy’s satisfaction with these first-rank vessels. We will continue to deploy our expertise in the service of the Hellenic Navy’s sovereignty and naval superiority,” said Pierre Eric Pommellet , Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.
The FDI is a first-rank frigate that combines capabilities in all areas of combat: anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric.
Scalable and versatile, the unit will be able to function either independently or as part of a fleet against current and emerging threats such as latest-generation submarines, supersonic missiles, cyberattacks, and multifaceted asymmetric threats. It features advanced digital and data processing technologies. High-tech industrial company Exail has been selected to provide navigation systems for the FDI frigate.
In addition, the design and automated systems integrated on board the FDI allow the ship to be operated with a small crew. It offers a high level of maintainability, reducing maintenance times and optimising operational availability.
Furthermore, like all other ships and systems, the FDI is designed and built to NATO standards, ensuring interoperability and connectivity between allied navies, Naval Group highlighted.
To remind, this summer, Naval Group launched the third vessel in this class, HS Formion. The company then reported that all three FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy are now afloat on the Scorff River, marking an important milestone in the program.
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The first FDI frigate is scheduled to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy at the end of 2025.