Investments

Greece orders a fourth FDI Frigate from Naval Group. Expanding Hellenic Navy modernisation programme

The Hellenic General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) signed a new contract with Naval Group for the construction of a fourth FDI HN (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigate for the Hellenic Navy. The agreement was formalised by Major General Ioannis Bouras and Naval Group Chairman & CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 18.11.2025, 07:17 Reading time: 2 min

Two grey FDI class frigates sail side by side on rough seas, hull number F601 visible on the bow — fot. Naval Group

In brief

The Greek General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments signed a contract with Naval Group for the construction of a fourth FDI HN frigate. The agreement was concluded by Major General Ioannis Bouras and Naval Group chairman and chief executive Pierre Éric Pommellet, expanding a programme that so far covered three ships with an option for another. Greek industry participation in the fourth unit is to reach 25 percent of the contract value, and the first FDI HN frigate is to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy at the end of 2025. Sea trials of the prototype frigate Admiral Ronarc'h confirmed sailing in sea state 7 on the Atlantic.

The order extends the existing FDI HN programme, launched in 2022, which originally included three frigates with an option for one more. All three initial ships are currently in advanced stages of construction, with the first FDI HN scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025.

Strengthening Industrial Cooperation with Greece

Naval Group confirmed that the additional ship will further expand industrial collaboration with Greek defence companies. The fourth frigate will include 25% local content, reinforcing Greece’s integration into Naval Group’s global supply chain and supporting the growth of the national naval industry.

FDI: A High-Intensity, Multi-Role Frigate for Modern Naval Warfare

The FDI-class frigate is designed for full-spectrum naval operations, including:

Air defence
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
Anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
Defence against asymmetric and cyber threats

Equipped with a fully digital combat architecture, next-generation sensors, and advanced data processing capabilities, the FDI is tailored for operations in contested maritime environments including engagements with latest-generation submarines and supersonic missile threats.

Optimised Design, Seakeeping and Crew Efficiency

The compact yet robust design of the FDI allows effective operations from open-ocean conditions to archipelagic waters. Trials of the lead ship, Admiral Ronarc’h, demonstrated excellent seakeeping, including safe navigation in sea state 7 during Atlantic trials.

Extensive onboard automation allows the frigate to be operated by a reduced crew, enhancing maintainability and increasing operational availability throughout its service life.

NATO Interoperability and Regional Security

Built fully to NATO standards, the FDI ensures seamless integration into allied maritime operations. For the Hellenic Navy, the expanding FDI fleet represents a major enhancement of Mediterranean maritime security, deterrence and multi-domain naval capability.

Naval Group: “A Strong Signal of Confidence from Greece”

Commenting on the new order, Pierre Éric Pommellet stated:

- This fourth FDI is a clear sign of trust from Greece. With the first three ships already progressing rapidly, we are proud to support the Hellenic Navy’s operational superiority and expand our industrial partnership with Greek companies.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier