Naval Group, France’s premier shipbuilder, is on track to deliver three FDI frigates to the Hellenic Navy within the span of a single year.

French shipbuilding giant Naval Group has delivered its second FDI medium frigate to the Hellenic Navy, which the Greeks have christened HS Nearchos.

The handover ceremony took place at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France, with attendees including Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin. The Nearchos follows the HS Kimon, which was delivered in December 2025. A third frigate, HS Formion, is scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026. If that timetable is met, Naval Group will have given the Hellenic Navy three advanced frigates in the span of just one year—representing a major step in Greece’s naval modernization and illustrating the surprising power of the European shipbuilding giant.

About the FDI Frigates

FDI stands for Fregate de Defense et d’Intervention, or Defence and Intervention Frigate. The FDI is a modern French-designed, multirole surface combatant intended for high-intensity naval operations and the Greek version is commonly designated FDI HN, for “Hellenic Navy.”

• Year Introduced: 2025
• Number Built: 2 (13 planned)
• Length: 398 ft (121.6 m) 
• Beam (Width): 58 ft (17.7 m) 
• Displacement: 4,400 tonnes 
• Propulsion: Combined diesel and diesel (CODAD); ~43,000 shp
• Top Speed: 27 knots (31 mph, 50 km/h)
• Range: 5,000 nautical miles (5,754 mi, 9,260 km); 45 days’ endurance
• Armaments: Varies based on mission (see below)
• Crew: 153 (125 sailors, 28 passengers)

The FDI’s design emphasized advanced sensors, digital combat systems, and substantial firepower in a relatively compact hull. Designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, the FDI relies on advanced sensors and weapons, which makes the vessel more capable than many older frigates still serving in regional navies. 

The FDI is designed around a modern integrated combat system, the principal air-defense of which uses the Aster surface-to-air missiles, launched from vertical launch cells. Each Greek FDI features 32 Aster missiles, providing for considerable area-air-defense. The vessel also features the Thales Sea Fire radar, an advanced fixed-panel AESA radar designed to detect and track multiple aerial and surface threats. Additional armament includes the Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles, a 76mm naval gun, and MU90 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. The FDI also incorporates sonar systems and facilities for operating a naval helicopter. In all, these capabilities allow the frigates to defend themselves—and other naval units—while hunting submarines and engaging hostile surface vessels. 

Greece Wants to Face Down Turkey with Its New Warships

Greece needs the FDI warships because it operates in a strategically sensitive maritime environment, including the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. Longstanding disputes with Turkey, regarding maritime boundaries, airspace, and territorial waters, make Greece especially anxious to improve its defense capabilities. Both countries are NATO members, but their ages-old geopolitical rivalry has led to longstanding military tensions. Currently, Greece feels ill-equipped for conflict, with an older surface fleet including the Elli-class frigates, which are overdue for replacement. So the FDI ships will improve Greece’s ability to defend maritime approaches and operate in contested waters.

The FDI program also features a significant degree of cooperation between France and Greece. That program began in 2022, and according to Naval Group, more than 75 Greek companies have participated in its frigate and submarine programs, contributing electronic charts, mechanical and electronic components, and shipbuilding assemblies. 

With two FDI frigates already delivered and a third expected shortly, Greece is acquiring a more capable surface fleet with vessels that promise to strengthen the countries maritime defenses and improve interoperability with both France and NATO generally—while reshaping the regional naval balance in one of the world’s more sensitive waterways.  

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a writer and attorney focused on national security, technology, and political culture. His work has appeared in Tablet, City Journal, The Hill, The Spectator, and The Cipher Brief. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global & Joint Program Studies from NYU. More at harrisonkass.com.

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