Kimon, the first of the Greek FDI HN multi-mission frigates, has entered its second phase of sea trials off the coast of Brittany, France. Measuring 122 meters and displacing 4,500 tons, the FDI HN is poised to become one of the most capable and technologically advanced surface combatants in its class. Naval News was on board and can now bring you exclusive insights into the vessel’s capabilities and performance.
On the morning of July 15, Naval News embarked aboard Kimon, the first Greek FDI HN multi-mission frigate, an innovative, digital and cyber-secure combat vessel, during its second week of sea trials off the coast of Brittany, France. The half-day embarkation provided exclusive material and insights. This marks the first time Naval News has covered a Greek FDI at sea, and the third time overall aboard an FDI frigate, following two previous embarkations on French FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc’h (D660), which was also underway at sea during those occasions.
The sea trials of Kimon have begun, and the Hellenic Navy is focusing its attention on the daily results of tests involving the combat systems and platform systems. Therefore, during the sea trials, everything onboard is tested including the radars, communications, EW suite, navigation equipment, etc. Each system is thoroughly re-tested under varying settings and conditions to simulate the full range of scenarios the ship may face. After all, sea trials are a rigorous process designed to push the vessel to the limits of its performance. The propulsion and navigation systems had been tested during the first 24-hour sea trial in early June. The second testing phase began in early July and is scheduled to last three weeks. Two more stages would follow, and in December, Kimon will sail to Brest to receive its weapons before arriving at the Salamis Naval Base at the end of 2025.
The current phase will be followed by the fine-tuning and corresponding adjustments to the frigate’s systems based on the exhaustive trials being conducted. The outcome will also inform the modifications to the systems installed on the other two Greek frigates already in the water, Nearchos and Formion. This process is expected to lead to a significant reduction in the trial period for the next two frigates, whose completion is progressing at an impressive pace by Naval Group.
According to the contract, a series of specialized sea trials—including live-fire exercises and combat system sensor evaluations—will be conducted within eight (8) months following the ship’s delivery. These trials, aimed at validating the operational performance of the Hellenic Navy frigate combat system, will span no more than 20 days.
1. One of the eight LWS-310 Mk2 LWR, part of the L-ESM suite. 2. Glamox HIGPI 1228 LED GPI (covered) and Luminex UAV floodlight. 3. Genasys LRAD 950XL non-lethal weapon system. 4. The place where the Glamox HIHRS 1216 LED will be installed. 5. Mk31 21-tube CIWS for RAM Block 2B SAM. 6. Terma navigation and helicopter approach radar. 7. Dedicated UAS hangar for two Scheibel S-100 Camcopter VTOL UAS. 8. One of the two mounts where the firefighting cannons will be installed. 9. Aviation control room. 10. Rear LIONFISH 20 20mm RWS of Leonardo. 11. PTZ camera. 12. Lifebuoys are stored externally in enclosed, radar-reflective-reducing containers to preserve the vessel’s low radar signature.
Joining us on board were members of the Hellenic Navy personnel stationed in Lorient, along with core personnel from the handover crew. The current number of personnel is 48 people which will raise to 128 in September. Alongside Hellenic Navy and Naval Group crews, specialists from Thales, SSMART, and other defense contractors, whose systems are integrated into the warship, were also present on board to observe and support the testing. Although a warship, the vessel is officially classified as a ‘commercial’ ship until it is delivered to the Hellenic Navy, and as such, it is subject to all applicable regulations. The ship was navigated by personnel of the French maritime company navOcéan as per the agreement between the two countries.
Hervé Boy, a Naval Group executive specializing in surface vessels and former commander of the Horizon-class AAW destroyer Chevalier Paul (D621), accompanied us throughout the trip. Drawing on his extensive experience, he provided detailed explanations of the ship’s various systems, guided us through the objectives and phases of the sea trials, and ensured we were well looked after from start to finish. Most importantly, however, he made the entire journey truly enjoyable with his positive spirit, warm personality, and fantastic sense of humor.
Although the stabilization system (active fin stabilizers) was not yet operational, the vessel’s motion remained relatively smooth and manageable, even in Sea State 5 and the challenging waters off Brittany, thanks to her inverted bow that cuts through the waves.
Filming inside the 122-meter Greek FDI frigate was strictly prohibited, and special permission was required to take photographs provided they did not reveal classified information, consoles, or schematics. Nevertheless, during our stay on the vessel, we were granted the opportunity to tour most of the areas of the ship, where we received firsthand information about its impressive capabilities. Prior to our departure, we were briefed on fire safety procedures and instructed on how to evacuate the frigate if necessary.
Amidships is located one of the two quadruple launchers for the EXOCET MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles. At the aft section, above the hangar, the Terma navigation and helicopter approach radar is visible. To its right, space is reserved for an R-ECM jamming antenna (it is FFBNW). The second jamming subsystem will be installed above the bridge at the starboard side.
We went on board Kimon around 06.00. The frigate departed at 07:40 with the assistance of tugboats and pilot vessels. By 08:05, she continued on her own power. About an hour later the ship accelerated rapidly to full speed — the only indication of this sudden burst being the increasing noise from the engines. Speed exceeded 27 knots. Although the stabilization system (active fin stabilizers) was not yet operational, the vessel’s motion remained relatively smooth and manageable, even in Sea State 4 and the challenging waters off Brittany, thanks to her inverted bow that cuts through the waves.
Following that, the frigate slowed down to a cruising speed of 15 knots while remaining within the defined test area. The next phase of the evaluation focused on initiating the vessel’s sensor systems including the powerful Thales SEAFIRE multi-function radar. The exercise simulated incoming aircraft from the French Air Force approaching from varying distances, angles, and velocities, aiming to ensure the radar system and EW suite could reliably detect aerial threats in advance. A subsequent trial was also planned to assess detection capabilities against a surface vessel.
We observed that the Greek personnel were genuinely satisfied and enthusiastic about the capabilities of their new frigate. The French representatives also noted that when the Hellenic Navy defined its requirements for the vessel, it had, in many ways, anticipated future operational challenges—requesting advanced features such as a comprehensive electronic warfare system and a robust self-protection suite.
This forward-looking approach has since been validated by recent events in the Red Sea and Russo-Ukrainian war. In response, the French Navy plans to apply lessons learned from those developments by upgrading its own FDI frigates with additional armament and equipment. Similar improvements are also taking place for its FREMM-type frigates, incorporating sensors currently used on the FDIs, such as the Safran PASEO XLR EOS-FCS and the Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 FCR.
At around 14:15, a small boat approached and picked us up from the starboard side access door, which is designed to allow safe and efficient embarkation of maritime pilots or SOF. The boat made several passes around the Kimon to allow us to capture it from different angles. By 15:10, we had returned to the port of Lorient while Kimon continued its journey and exhausting trials.
Crew comfort aboard the vessel is impressive. The accommodation areas include spacious cabins for 1, 2, 4, or 6 personnel, spacious mess halls, modern hospital areas, rest rooms and a modern, well-equipped galley, all designed to provide a high level of comfort, which is a significant parameter during long duration missions. The passageways, bridge, and open areas are significantly more spacious compared to those on frigates currently in service with the Hellenic Navy. This ergonomic design facilitates the quick, smooth, and efficient movement of crew members and the transport of equipment throughout the vessel.
1. Starboard side access door that allows safe and efficient embarkation of maritime pilots or SOF. 2. The starboard torpedo launchers room that will be fitted with a twin launcher for MU90 IMPACT LWT torpedoes. 3. Amidships, eight EXOCET MM40 Block 3C SSMs, each with a range of up 250 km against surface and land targets, will be installed. 4. The RHIB hangars are designed to accommodate RHIBs up to 9.5 meters in length. 5. The ammunition storage room (torpedoes for helicopters and torpedo launchers) is identifiable by two external hatches on the hull at the starboard side.
Digital interfaces are integrated throughout the ship, including approximately 30 access points for laptop connectivity, providing access to all core systems. Multiple multi-function consoles are strategically placed across the vessel, giving the crew immediate and accurate information on various ship operations. The internal layout is designed to ensure quick and efficient access to all key areas. Moreover, vertical hatches running through the ship’s structure enable the replacement of large components without the need to cut through metal or dismantle surrounding systems.
Notably, the entire frigate is divided into two distinct watertight damage control zones which are separated by a double-wall bulkhead, and those zones are divided to twelve watertight compartments, enhancing its safety and survivability. The ship is transversely segmented at its midpoint, allowing it to be isolated in case of an emergency. Each zone contains its own data center, damage control room, and other similar operational hubs such as IPMS. This redundancy is designed to ensure the warship retains propulsion and electrical power so it can continue operating, either reaching its destination or safely withdrawing for repairs, even under adverse conditions.
Current State of the Greek FDI frigate
Currently, Kimon is outfitted with expanded armament, including an additional 16 SYLVER A50 VLS cells, a RAM CIWS, and SYLENA AAW decoy launch systems (DLS). However, full installation and integration of these systems with the SETIS CMS—bringing the ships up from the “Standard 1” to “Standard 2” configuration—will be completed by 2027.
Currently, Kimon is outfitted with expanded armament (compared to French Navy FDIs), including an additional 16 SYLVER A50 VLS cells, a RAM CIWS, and SYLENA AAW DLS. However, full installation and integration of these systems with the SETIS CMS, bringing the ships up from the “Standard 1” to “Standard 2” configuration, will be completed by 2027.
We observed that several onboard systems have yet to be installed on the frigate. These include components such as parts of the helicopter visual landing aid system (HVLAS) (the Glamox HIHRS 1216 LED for example), the two firefighting cannons positioned above the hangar, and various auxiliary systems. The asymmetric warfare operations center is still under construction, while the compartments designated for torpedo launchers were found to be currently empty.
Some of these unfinished areas, such as the ammunition storage room, intended for both the helicopter and the torpedo systems, as well as the UAS section that will soon house two S-100 Camcopter VTOL drone helicopters, are currently being used by crew members for various practical purposes. Additionally, the LIONFISH 20 RWS have been installed, but without their 20mm cannons, likely as a security or protective measure.
For the time being, the Greek FDI is equipped with two commercial Viking Norsafe RHIBs, accommodated in large side hangars, covered by synthetic curtains and launched by two 6.2t MacGregor davits. The FDI HN is expected to be outfitted with two 7.5-meter METIS 750 RHIBs from VIKING HELLAS in the near future. Just outside the hangar, a UAV floodlight made by Luminex was observed, mounted directly above the HIGPI 1228 LED glide path indicator (GPI) unit by Glamox. Compared to our previous visit, the ship is now fully fitted with all of its LWS-310 Mk2 laser warning receivers (LWR) part of the laser electronic support measures (L-ESM) suite that includes also an LWS-500 top attack and anti-reflection sensor.
The frigate’s stealth characteristics continue to impress. Even the lifesaving equipment, such as lifebuoys, are stored externally in enclosed, radar-reflective-reducing containers to preserve the vessel’s low radar signature. Additionally, CCTV and PTZ surveillance systems are installed throughout the ship, enhancing situational awareness and onboard security.
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