Greece to Enhance Naval Capabilities with FDI HN Frigates

The Hellenic Navy is poised to strengthen its maritime capabilities with the anticipated delivery of its inaugural Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention Hellenic Navy (FDI HN) frigate, Kimon (F 601), scheduled for late 2025. This acquisition marks a significant leap forward in Greece’s naval modernization efforts.

Contractual Developments and Partnerships

In a noteworthy collaboration, French maritime technology firm Exail has been awarded a contract by Naval Group to furnish advanced navigation systems for the FDI HN frigates. This announcement was made public on July 3, further solidifying the partnership between the two companies in delivering cutting-edge naval technologies.

The scope of this agreement encompasses:

• Exail’s Marins inertial navigation system (INS)
• A Netans data distribution unit
• Gecdis-W warship electronic chart display and information system (WECDIS)

These components will be seamlessly integrated into the frigates’ sophisticated and cyber-secure digital architecture.

FDI Frigates: Strategic Implications and Capabilities

The FDI HN frigates represent a critical element in Greece’s maritime strategy, following a contract signed in March 2022 that outlines the construction of three frigates, with an optional order for a fourth. Notably, the FDI HN serves as the export iteration of the Amiral Ronarc’h-class frigates currently under construction for the French Navy, signifying Naval Group’s first foray into international markets for this class.

Advanced Navigation Technologies

The Marins INS series from Exail utilizes state-of-the-art fiber-optic gyroscope technology, noted for its superior performance in demanding conditions. This navigation system delivers reliable and highly accurate positional data, even in scenarios where Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS) are compromised.

Key specifications of the Marins INS series include:

• Heading Accuracy: 0.01°
• Pitch and Roll Accuracy: 0.01°
• Positional Accuracy: Varies by model:
  • Marins M3: Drift of 1 nautical mile per 12 hours without GNSS
  • Marins M11: Drift limited to 1 nautical mile per 360 hours

These capabilities are pivotal for operating in contested maritime environments, enhancing Greece’s ability to project power and safeguard its interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Conclusion: Implications for Regional Security

Greece’s investment in the FDI HN frigates, supported by advanced systems from Exail, signals a robust commitment to enhancing its naval warfare capabilities. As tensions continue to rise in the region, these assets will not only fortify Greece’s defensive posture but also contribute to collective security initiatives within NATO and the European Union.

This strategic procurement underscores an emerging trend among nations to prioritize advanced naval technologies that can operate effectively in an increasingly multipolar world. As such, the integration of sophisticated systems like the Marins INS positions Greece as a formidable player in maritime security operations.