The first FDI-class frigate built by the French Naval Group for the Greek Navy “Cimone”, has completed its first sea trials in the Bay of Biscay, leaving behind an important milestone. During the trials carried out in these strategic waters between the west coast of France and the north coast of Spain, the ship drive systems has been tested extensively.
Program Delay and Trial Period with French Crew
According to information reported by Kathimerini, the delivery of the frigate “Kimon” to Greece Late 2025 It is expected to take place. However, it is stated that this sea trial also revealed that it is about a year behind schedule. Another noteworthy point is that the ship built by Naval Group has not yet undergone its first trials. With French crew having come out.
The trial process started in Greece 40 Greek officers It was reported that it was closely monitored. The report also stated that the ship's final crew count around 100 It is also stated that there will be.
Personnel Training and Infrastructure Issues
Greek media to adapt to new frigates Infrastructure improvements at Salamis Naval Base It is reported that personnel training and employment are among the critical challenges for the Greek Navy. The need for qualified personnel for the effective use of these new and technologically advanced frigates continues to be an important agenda item for Greece.
Meanwhile, defense cooperation between Greece and France continues. Despite the expiration of the option period, the two countries negotiations for a fourth FDI-class ship This situation demonstrates Greece's reliance on French technologies in naval modernization.
Greece Seeks Modern System for New Frigates
While Greece is waiting to receive its new frigates from France, it is also working to equip these platforms with today's technologies. In this context, the Hellenic Aerospace Industries (HAI) and Naval Group recently signed a contract to be used in FDI class frigates. Integration of CENTAUR, a drone countermeasure system (C-UAS) signed an important cooperation.
At the DEFEA 2025 defense fair The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers the integration of the CENTAUR system on the Greek Navy’s Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates. The agreement also leaves the door open for the potential integration of the system on other ships in the future, which is interpreted as part of Greece’s strategy to diversify and strengthen its defence capacity.
UAV Procurement Program and Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Selection
On the other hand, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visited Austria as part of the search for UAVs to be deployed on the navy's new frigates. Within the scope of the unmanned aerial vehicle procurement program carried out under the responsibility of the Greek Defense Ministry, Austria-based Schiebel Aircraft GmbH has been selected as the provisional contractor for the CAMCOPTER S-100 systems.
Some Greek sources say that the decision was taken on April 28, 2025 and that the systems to be procured possibility of armament It also states that. With the decision, the documents of the technical and economic proposal submitted by Schiebel were also officially accepted. In this context, initially 8 CAMCOPTER S-100 The integration of these unmanned aerial vehicles onto frigates will significantly increase the Greek Navy’s reconnaissance, surveillance and potentially engagement capabilities.
