Sea trials for the “Formion,” the third FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, began on June 22.

This initial two-week period is dedicated to safety and propulsion (speed, maneuverability, etc.). Thanks to the production process—where the hull and PSIM are built in parallel—the main combat system sensors can also be tested starting from this first phase. This milestone also reflects the success of Naval Group’s steady and ambitious Hellenic Industrial Participation (HIP) plan, as the frigate incorporates numerous components produced in Greece, all delivered on time: e.g. AKMON (consoles), METLEN (torpedo doors), KAFKAS (electrical panels), Marita HELLAS (life rafts), MEVACO (naval systems equipment), SALAMIS SHIPYARDS (pre-outfitted hull sections), VIKING NORDSAFE HELLAS (RHIB), while delivery is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Furthermore, 2026 is a critical year for the Navy, with major FDI deliveries produced by Naval Group and its Greek industrial partners.

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After “Kimon,” “Formion”: Sea trials begin for the new Belharra frigate

After the delivery in 2025 of the frigate Kimon, the first FDI of the four-frigate series built for the Hellenic Navy, Naval Group together with its French and Greek partners are fully advancing the construction of the next three FDIs: Nearchos, Formion, and Themistocles.

For the Hellenic Navy, 2026 marks important milestones, starting with the arrival of Kimon in Greece in mid-January, followed by the delivery of the two ships Nearchos and Formion.

It is recalled that for the frigate Nearchos, the second FDI for the Hellenic Navy, sea trials began in February 2026, while final acceptance trials and sea readiness activities will be completed in the second half of the year, with delivery scheduled for October 2026.

Regarding Themistocles, the fourth FDI for the Hellenic Navy, ordered in November 2025, pre-outfitted blocks fully built by Salamis Shipyards have been assembled on the vessel. Hull assembly is progressing at the dock, and the ship recently floated to change position within the dock. Assembly and outfitting activities continue (equipment, fluids, insulation, piping, electrical systems), along with propulsion and painting work, ahead of its launch in spring 2027. Meanwhile, construction of the Panoramic Sensor and Intelligence Module (PSIM) is also progressing.

The FDI, a high-intensity combat vessel ready for operations in all seas of the world

As a frontline frigate, the FDI has demonstrated capabilities across all domains of warfare (air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and asymmetric threats). Scalable and flexible, it combines all operational fields required to counter, either independently or as part of a strike force, today’s and emerging threats such as next-generation submarines, hypersonic missiles, cyberattacks, and complex asymmetric threats. Its compact layout and unique design make it ideal for different environments and challenging sea conditions worldwide.

Key characteristics

• Displacement: approx. 4,500 tons
• Length: 122 meters
• Beam: 18 meters
• Speed: 27 knots
• Endurance: 45 days
• Complement: 125 crew + 28 passengers

Focus on HIP

As part of the HIP (Hellenic Industrial Participation) plan signed in 2022, more than 120 contracts have been signed with around 70 Greek companies for the construction of Greek and French FDI vessels.

Beyond the FDI program, this industrial plan has already generated significant and lasting economic benefits for the Greek industry, enabling Greek companies to join Naval Group’s supply chain for current and future French and export programs. Already, 75 Greek companies are registered on Naval Group’s supply chain platform. From this broader perspective, Greece’s Defence Industrial and Technological Base (DITB) will strengthen its position in the global naval defence market.

Recent examples include:

In March, Naval Group and METLEN signed a Memorandum of Understanding on submarine and surface ship projects.

Naval Group also organized the R&D Partners Day in Athens, aiming to identify new cooperation opportunities between Naval Group and its Greek partners, both within EU calls and bilateral frameworks, focusing on new technological fields. This year’s event gathered around 100 participants from the Greek defence and industrial ecosystem, including companies, laboratories, research centres, and universities.

In May, two major contracts were signed with Mevaco and AKMON S.A. for the production of four sets of ship equipment, each consisting of more than 50 electronic consoles and cabinets for the FDI frigates.

Since 2022, Salamis Shipyards have been fully integrated into Naval Group’s supply chain for both French and Greek FDI programs. 15 out of 21 ordered sections have already been delivered. Their delivery consistency ensures timely and high-quality construction of the FDIs. Further sections are expected, with the next shipment already scheduled for this summer.