Greek Navy’s Advanced Kimon Frigate Expected in Thessaloniki

The first Greek FDI HN-class frigate is scheduled to anchor in the Thermaic Gulf for the first time as part of the celebrations. The newly built, digitally integrated warship represents a major advance in Greece’s naval and air-defence capabilities.

The last time the Hellenic Navy received newly built frigates was in the early to mid-1990s, when Greece took delivery of four MEKO 200HN frigates of the Hydra class. The first vessel, HS Hydra, entered service in 1992 and arrived in Greece in 1993.

Kimon’s planned appearance in Thessaloniki would therefore mark the first time in more than 30 years that the public in northern Greece could visit a newly delivered, frontline Hellenic Navy combat vessel.

The planned public visits would offer a unique opportunity to explore what is described as the eastern Mediterranean’s most advanced warship. Kimon incorporates advanced digital combat technologies, area air defence and anti-submarine warfare systems, representing a significant upgrade over other major naval units operating in the southeastern Mediterranean.

A next-generation multi-role warship

The HS Kimon (F-601) belongs to the FDI HN class, short for Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention – Hellenic Navy. The frigate can perform multiple roles, while the Greek configuration includes several enhancements and additional systems requested by the Hellenic Navy compared with the original version delivered to the French Navy.

The Kimon class can provide area air defence and conduct complex, high-intensity naval operations across multiple domains.

With a displacement of approximately 4,500 tonnes, a length of 122 metres and a crew of around 125–130 personnel, the vessel combines a maximum speed exceeding 27 knots with an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles.

Detecting and engaging targets across vast distances

At the heart of Kimon’s advanced capabilities lies the Sea Fire 500 fixed-panel digital radar, which can detect targets at ranges of up to 500 kilometres.

The active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar uses gallium nitride (GaN) technology and digitises signals at the individual transmit-and-receive element level. This fully digital architecture works alongside the SETIS Combat Management System (CMS), which integrates the ship’s sensors and combat capabilities.

According to the system’s specifications, the frigate can track more than 800 targets simultaneously. These include small drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sea-skimming missiles flying close to the water, supersonic missiles and ballistic missiles.

The ability to monitor multiple threats simultaneously has become increasingly important amid the growing use of advanced missiles and drones on battlefields in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities

Kimon also features sophisticated equipment for detecting and countering submarines. Its anti-submarine warfare suite includes a CAPTAS-4 towed sonar and a Kingklip Mk2 hull-mounted sonar.

Together, these systems provide the crew with a comprehensive picture of activity in the air, on the surface and underwater. The frigate can also work with its embarked MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopter, which extends its surveillance and engagement capabilities beyond the ship itself.

The MH-60R can engage targets using AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and APKWS laser-guided rockets. These weapons offer options for attacking surface targets, including fast-moving boats, as well as other relatively low-cost threats.

A formidable arsenal of missiles and guns

Kimon carries an extensive range of weapons for air defence, missile interception, surface warfare and anti-submarine operations.

Its main armament includes:

• 32 Aster 30 missiles for air defence and anti-ballistic missile missions.
• A RAM close-in defence system equipped with 21 surface-to-air missiles for protection against incoming aerial threats and missiles.
• Eight Exocet MM40 Block 3c anti-ship missiles for engaging hostile vessels.
• Two twin torpedo tubes designed to launch MU90 torpedoes against underwater threats.
• An Oto Melara 76/62 mm Super Rapid naval gun as its main gun.
• LIONFISH 20 mm remotely operated guns for additional close-range protection.

The ship’s hangar can accommodate an MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopter and support unmanned aerial vehicles, further extending its surveillance and operational reach.

Kimon’s planned visit to Thessaloniki in October 2026 would give the public a first-hand look at a new generation of Greek naval technology, highlighting the Hellenic Navy’s growing capabilities in modern maritime warfare.