The FDI-type frigate F-601 “Kimon” has begun its first sea trials in Lorient, France, as announced by Naval Group, which also released a related video.

[#Navgreek] ⚓​🇬🇷​ HS Kimon, first #FDI frigate for the @NavyGR, started her first sea trials on May 21st in Lorient, France.
The ship capitalized on the experience gained during the sea trials of Amiral Ronarc’h, the first of class for the @MarineNationale. pic.twitter.com/QEDA9ZAWwx

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— Naval Group (@navalgroup) May 23, 2025

The French naval shipbuilding company stated that the new FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigate, set to join the Hellenic Navy, headed to open waters on Wednesday, May 21, following the successful sea trials of the French Navy’s equivalent vessel, the “Amiral Ronarc’h.”

At the same time, Naval Group announced the upcoming launch of the third Greek FDI frigate, named “Formion,” stating:

“2025 is a milestone year for the FDI program, with the sea trials and the imminent delivery of the frigate ‘Kimon’ to the Hellenic Navy, as well as the upcoming launch of the third vessel, the ‘Formion.’”