Greece’s First FDI Frigate ‘Kimon’ Enters Second Phase of Sea Trials off French Coast

The first Greek FDI HN multi-mission frigate, Kimon (F601), has officially entered the second phase of sea trials, marking a major milestone in the Hellenic Navy’s ambitious modernization program. Built by Naval Group, the warship is currently undergoing intensive testing in the challenging waters off Brittany, France.

Measuring 122 meters in length and displacing 4,500 tons, Kimon is the lead ship in Greece’s new class of digital, cyber-secure and stealth frigates. Designed to meet future naval threats, the vessel is equipped with advanced sensors, combat systems, and a wide array of weaponry tailored for modern multi-domain operations.

Rigorous Trials Underway

Sea trials for Kimon began in early June with initial tests focusing on propulsion and navigation. The second phase, which started in early July, is expected to continue for three weeks. It includes detailed testing of:

• Combat management systems

• Communication and radar systems

• Electronic warfare (EW) suites

• Navigation and surveillance equipment

The trials are being conducted in coordination with the Hellenic Navy, Naval Group, and partner contractors including Thales and SSMART. More than 48 crew members are currently onboard, a number expected to increase to 128 by September.

Advanced Weapons and Systems

The Kimon features cutting-edge armament and electronic systems, including:

• 16 SYLVER A50 VLS cells for Aster 30 missiles

• RAM Block 2B CIWS

• SYLENA decoy launchers

• Thales SEAFIRE multi-function radar

• Leonardo LIONFISH 20mm RWS

• Eight EXOCET MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles

• Dedicated UAV hangar for two Camcopter S-100 drones

The frigate also features an inverted bow design for enhanced stability in rough seas and low radar visibility through radar-absorbing materials and compact sensor placements. Even lifebuoys are stored in enclosed, radar-reflective containers to preserve stealth.

Interior Designed for Combat & Comfort

Despite its warfighting purpose, Kimon offers modern crew accommodations, with:

• Cabins for 1 to 6 personnel

• Spacious mess halls, rest areas, and a hospital

• Ergonomic layouts for fast crew movement

• Digital access points across the vessel

• Two watertight zones and 12 compartments for damage control

Each section of the ship includes independent data centers and power systems, ensuring continued functionality even under combat conditions.

Testing High-End Performance at Sea

During sea trials, Kimon demonstrated speeds over 27 knots, despite its stabilization system not being operational. The vessel maintained stable motion in Sea State 5, showcasing her capability to operate in extreme maritime environments.

Sensor trials were also conducted, simulating aircraft threats using French Air Force jets, allowing the ship’s SEAFIRE radar and EW systems to track multiple fast-moving targets under realistic combat conditions.

Preparations for Delivery

Following the ongoing trial phase, Kimon will sail to Brest in December 2025 to be fitted with her full weapons suite. She is scheduled to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy shortly afterward and stationed at Salamis Naval Base.

Meanwhile, her sister ships—Nearchos (F602) and Formion—are being outfitted at the Lorient shipyard. Lessons learned from Kimon’s trials are being used to fine-tune their systems, potentially reducing their sea trial durations.

Stepping Into the Future

While much of the equipment is already installed, several systems are still under integration, including:

• Torpedo launchers for MU90 LWT torpedoes

• Firefighting cannons

• Parts of the helicopter visual landing aid system

• Full integration of UAS systems and asymmetric warfare center

By 2027, the frigate will be upgraded from its current “Standard 1” configuration to “Standard 2”, fully integrating all systems with the SETIS Combat Management System.

Strategic Significance

The Greek FDI program represents a significant step in boosting Greece’s maritime capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. With its combination of French technology and Greek operational foresight, the Kimon is set to become a centerpiece of NATO’s naval presence in the region.