The Hellenic Navy has officially received its second Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI HN), HS Nearchos (F602), from Naval Group, marking a significant enhancement in its naval capabilities. Delivered on October 30, 2026, in Lorient, France, this frigate features advanced combat capabilities associated with the Standard 2 configuration, differing from its predecessor, HS Kimon, which was delivered in December 2025.
The delivery ceremony was attended by key officials, including Nikos Dendias, the Minister of National Defense of Greece, and Catherine Vautrin, the Minister of the Armed Forces. With the upcoming delivery of HS Formion planned for late 2026, the Hellenic Navy is set to receive three of the four ordered FDI frigates within a year, showcasing Naval Group’s efficiency in meeting naval demands.
Enhanced Combat Capabilities
HS Nearchos is the first frigate to be delivered in the Standard 2 configuration, which includes significant upgrades in weapon systems and combat management capabilities. This configuration introduces additional armaments, such as two A50 SYLVER Vertical Launching System (VLS) modules and enhanced air defense systems, which are crucial for modern naval warfare.
Naval Group’s Chairman and CEO, Pierre Éric Pommellet, emphasized the importance of this delivery, stating, “HS Nearchos will undoubtedly demonstrate its exceptional capabilities just as the FDI HS Kimon did recently, thereby contributing to the Hellenic Navy’s operational superiority at sea.” This statement underscores the strategic significance of the FDI program in bolstering Greece’s maritime defense posture.
Strategic Franco-Hellenic Cooperation
The FDI program, initiated in 2022, reflects a robust Franco-Hellenic partnership, with over 75 Greek companies involved in various aspects of the frigate’s construction and support. This collaboration not only enhances local industry capabilities but also ensures that maintenance and upgrades for the FDI frigates will be conducted in Greece, thereby optimizing operational readiness and sustainability.
Naval Group has also secured an initial in-service support contract for the FDI frigates, which will facilitate ongoing maintenance and operational support through a collaborative effort between Naval Group, its Greek subsidiary, and local industrial partners.
Future Developments and Upgrades
Looking ahead, the FDI frigates are expected to evolve further with the introduction of the Standard 2+ and Standard 2++ configurations. These upgrades will enhance the SETIS Combat Management System (CMS), integrate advanced sensors, and improve weapon system capabilities, including the addition of the RAM Block 2B/C surface-to-air missile systems.
Moreover, the potential for a Standard 2+++ configuration could see the integration of next-generation systems, such as the CENTAUR C-UAS and advanced electronic countermeasures, which would significantly enhance the frigates’ operational flexibility and effectiveness in asymmetric warfare scenarios.
The Hellenic Navy’s acquisition of the FDI frigates, particularly with the advanced capabilities of HS Nearchos, positions it to better address contemporary maritime security challenges. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the operational readiness and technological superiority of these vessels will be critical for Greece’s defense strategy.
For further details on the FDI frigate program and its implications for naval capabilities, refer to the original report by Naval News.
