Large crowds gathered at Thessaloniki port on Saturday to visit the frigate Kimon, one of the Hellenic Navy’s most modern warships, which docked in the city as part of celebrations for the Oct. 28 national holiday.
The Kimon (F-601) arrived on Friday morning. Visitors of all ages passed through X-ray security checks at the port’s passenger terminal before queuing, in some cases for a long time, to board the vessel. Crew members guided them around the outer decks, presenting the ship’s systems, equipment and operational capabilities.
Described as the most advanced warship in the eastern Mediterranean, the frigate is equipped with state-of-the-art digital air defence systems and is noted for its anti-submarine capabilities.
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The 122-metre vessel displaces about 4,500 tonnes, can reach speeds of more than 27 knots and has a range of 5,000 nautical miles. It carries a crew of about 125 to 130.
Its Sea Fire radar can detect and track targets up to 500 km away, depending on conditions, and monitor more than 800 targets simultaneously, from small drones to hypersonic and ballistic missiles.
The frigate can operate an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which extends its sensor range and can strike targets with Hellfire missiles and laser-guided rockets.
Its armament includes Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, a RAM missile system, Exocet anti-ship missiles, MU90 torpedoes and a 76 mm main gun. The ship was designed with built-in protection against cyberattacks, with two separate data centres managing all combat and navigation functions.