수상전투함 그리스의 키몬급(FDI-HN) 프리깃

[위종민]

그리스가 주문한 키몬급 프리깃은 3+1이 주문돼 프랑스에서 건조될 예정이고, 함령 40년을 경과한 코르테니어급 호위함을 대체할 예정이네요. MEKO 200HN인 히드라급 취역 이후 거의 30년만에 취역하는 신조 전투함이고, 2004년 퇴역한 C.F.아담스급 이후 최초의 구역방공 호위함이라고 합니다. 

키몬급 호위함: 그리스 해군의 부활과 FDI HN 프로그램 개요

작성자: D-Mitch

그리스 독립기념일 전야인 2022년 3월 24일, 그리스는 수십 년 만에 가장 중대한 해군 조달 프로그램을 시작했습니다. 팔레오 팔리로에 박물관 함선으로 영구 계류 중인 전설적인 장갑순양함 게오르기오스 아베로프호의 갑판에서 열린 축하 행사에서, 그리스 공화국은 프랑스 방산업체인 나발 그룹(Naval Group), MBDA, 탈레스(Thales)와 획기적인 계약을 체결했습니다. 이 계약은 그리스 해군 사양의 국방 및 개입 호위함(FDI HN) 3척을 도입하고 4번째 함선에 대한 옵션(3+1)을 포함합니다. 모든 함선은 프랑스 로리앙에서 건조 중이며, 일부 섹션은 그리스 살라미스 조선소에서도 제작됩니다. 이번 합의에는 무기 패키지(미사일 및 어뢰), CANTO 대어뢰 기만체뿐만 아니라 통합 군수 지원(ILS)이 포함되어 있습니다. 첫 번째 호위함인 키몬함은 2025년 12월 18일 공식적으로 함대에 취역했으며, 2026년 1월 15일 그리스 살라미스 해군 기지에 도착했습니다.

FDI HN은 그 크기에 비해 세계적으로 가장 강력한 수상 전투함 중 하나이자 가장 정교한 설계 중 하나입니다. 이 프로그램은 단순히 노후된 선체를 교체하는 것 이상의 의미를 갖습니다. 이는 그리스 해군 수상 전투함 전력의 구조적 현대화와 2000년대 초반 이후 부재했던 고성능 방공 및 네트워크 중심전 능력의 복원을 의미합니다.

2022년 3월 그리스의 3+1 FDI HN 호위함 조달 서명식. 사진: 국방부

구형 플랫폼의 교체
FDI HN 호위함은 40년 이상 함대의 중추 역할을 해온 엘리급(Kortenaer/S) 호위함을 점진적으로 대체할 예정입니다. 동시에 마지막 현대식 호위함인 이드라급(MEKO 200HN) 살라미스함이 취역한 지 거의 30년이 지났습니다. 수십 년 동안 그리스는 세대 교체보다는 점진적인 업그레이드에 의존해 왔습니다.

함대 내 총 9척 중 2척의 엘리급 호위함이 대형을 이루고 있다. 전경의 함선은 현대화된 상태이며, 배경의 함선은 원래의 구성을 유지하고 있다.

2004년 이전 미 해군 C.F. 애덤스급 구축함 4척 중 마지막 함선이 퇴역하면서 그리스 해군에는 진정한 구역 방공 플랫폼이 남지 않게 되었습니다. 40km 사거리의 SM-1MR 지대공 미사일(SAM)을 장착했던 해당 함선들은 고위협 환경에서 함대 전체를 보호하는 유일한 우산 역할을 했습니다. 현재 해군은 ESSM(및 구형 NSSM) 미사일을 운용하고 있지만, ESSM의 교전 범위를 완전히 활용할 수 있게 해주는 APAR나 SPY/AEGIS와 같은 레이더 시스템이 부족합니다. 키몬급의 등장은 이러한 구조적 능력 격차를 해결하기 시작하는 동시에, 신형 호위함의 여러 특성이 그리스 해군에 처음으로 도입되는 계기가 되었습니다.

그리스 사양에서 약 4,600톤의 배수량을 가진 FDI HN은 소형이면서도 탁월한 성능을 갖춘 다목적 호위함입니다. 일류의 확장 가능하고 다재다능한 전투함으로 구상된 이 함정은 독립적으로 또는 기동 부대의 일환으로 작전하며 현재 및 신흥 위협에 대응하는 데 필요한 모든 기능을 통합하고 있습니다. 고강도 해전을 위해 설계된 이 플랫폼은 첨단 자동화 기술과 완전 디지털 아키텍처를 결합하여 대공, 대잠, 대수상 및 비대칭전 영역 전반에서 견고하고 높은 수준의 능력을 제공합니다.

FDI 호위함의 기본 구성을 설명하는 나발 그룹의 초기 그래픽.

디지털 네이티브 전투함

아마도 FDI HN의 가장 혁신적인 측면은 미사일 숫자가 아니라 그 아키텍처일 것입니다. FDI는 가상화된 소프트웨어 환경을 호스팅하는 두 개의 중복 데이터 센터를 중심으로 구축된 완전 디지털 온보드 아키텍처로 처음부터 설계된 최초의 호위함입니다. 이 설계는 본질적인 사이버 복원력을 제공하며, 함정의 수명 주기 동안 지속적이고 점진적인 능력 업그레이드를 가능하게 합니다.

비싼 중기 현대화 프로그램에 의존하는 대신, FDI HN은 기술적 및 작전적 진화에 점진적으로 적응할 수 있습니다. 이러한 접근 방식은 빠르게 발전하는 미사일 기술, 정교한 잠수함, 사이버 전쟁 및 다영역 비대칭 위협으로 정의되는 시대에 특히 적합합니다.

훈련 중 SM-1 SAM을 발사하는 찰스 F. 애덤스급 구축함 키몬(D-218). 이 함정은 1991년 그리스 해군이 도입하여 2004년 6월 퇴역 후 2006년 해체되었다. 사진: 그리스 해군.

프로그램의 확장
당초 계약은 3척과 옵션 1척이었으나, 그리스는 2025년 11월 14일 해당 옵션을 공식적으로 행사하여 4번째 호위함을 주문했습니다. 앞서 2025년 4월 1일, 나발 그룹은 그리스 정치 및 군 지도부에 이미 계약된 4척 외에 추가로 3척을 현지에서 건조할 수 있는 가능성을 포함한 더 넓은 제안을 제시하며 프로그램의 장기적인 전략적 잠재력을 시사한 바 있습니다.

122미터 길이의 다목적 호위함 4척은 키몬급을 형성하며, 역사적인 그리스 제독들인 키몬, 네아르코스, 포르미온, 테미스토클레스의 이름을 따서 명명되었습니다. 이 이름들은 이전에 그리스가 운용했던 C.F. 애덤스급 구축함(1991-2004)에 붙여졌던 이름들입니다.

4번째 함선 계약은 단순히 수량의 확장이 아니었습니다. 이는 2022년 3월 서명된 FDI HN 호위함 조달(계약 번호 016B/21) 및 후속 지원(FOS)(계약 번호 017B/21)에 관한 두 건의 계약 수정안이었습니다. 첫 번째 수정안에는 4번째 호위함(HN4 테미스토클레스)의 구매 옵션 행사와 처음 3척(HN1 키몬, HN2 네아르코스, HN3 포르미온)에 대한 업그레이드가 포함되었으며, 두 번째 수정안은 초기 3년의 FOS 약정을 연장하고 4번째 함선에 대한 FOS 보장을 제공했습니다.

이러한 업그레이드는 우크라이나와 이스라엘 전쟁, 그리고 그리스가 유럽연합 해군(EUNAVFOR)의 아스피데스 작전(Operation ASPIDES)에 작전적으로 참여하며 얻은 교훈에 의해 직접적으로 형성되었습니다. 진화하는 작전 환경, 특히 무인 시스템의 확산, 배회형 함정 무기, 포화 미사일 공격 등은 구성 로드맵에 큰 영향을 미쳤습니다.

키몬급(FDI HN) 호위함 인포그래픽. 작성: D-Mitch, 2026.

무기 조달 및 재고 고려 사항
2022년 원래 계약에는 ASTER 30 Block 1 SAM, EXOCET MM40 Block 3C 지대지 미사일(SSM), MU90 어뢰 및 CANTO 대어뢰 기만체가 포함되었습니다. 그러나 이후 4번째 호위함에 대한 합의가 추가적인 미사일이나 어뢰 조달을 자동으로 통합하지는 않았습니다. 특히, 2022년 3월 MBDA와 체결한 미사일 패키지 계약(계약 번호 018B/21)에 대한 수정은 이루어지지 않았습니다.

계약 번호 018B/21에는 2억 유로의 비용으로 4번째 호위함을 위한 미사일 적재량을 획득하는 옵션이 포함되어 있었음을 상기해야 합니다. 또한, 원래의 조선 계약(번호 016B/21)은 이 옵션이 행사될 경우 4번째 그리스 해군 호위함(HN4)이 1,000만 유로의 추가 비용으로 4발의 MU90 어뢰와 8개의 CANTO 대응책을 받도록 규정했습니다.

초기 미사일 패키지는 처음 3척의 호위함 각각에 대해 약 1.2회분의 적재량(ASTER 30 및 EXOCET)을 제공했습니다. 결과적으로 현재 총 116발의 ASTER 30 미사일이 계획되어 있습니다. 그러나 4척의 함선 각각에 있는 32개의 수직 발사 셀(총 128개 셀)을 완전히 채우려면 128발의 미사일이 필요하며, 현재 수량으로는 예비 재고가 남지 않을 뿐만 아니라 HN4를 완전히 무장시키는 것도 불가능합니다. EXOCET 조달 또한 마찬가지로 29발에 불과했습니다. 이러한 수치들은 작전의 지속 가능성과 적절한 전시 심도를 보장하기 위해 추가적인 미사일 주문이 필요함을 강력하게 시사합니다.

원래 주문에는 54개의 CANTO 기만체가 포함되었으며, 각 호위함이 2개의 6연장 CMLS 발사기에 12개의 기만체를 탑재하므로 4척 모두를 무장시키기에 충분합니다. 반면, MU90 어뢰는 단 15발만 조달되었는데, 각 호위함이 2개의 2연장 어뢰 발사관을 장착하고 최대 15발까지 보관할 수 있다는 점을 고려하면 함당 1회분의 완전 적재량조차 제공하기에 부족한 수량입니다. 실질적인 측면에서 계약에 근거할 경우, 할당량은 호위함당 어뢰 5발과 CANTO 기만체 18개에 해당합니다. 특히 HN4와 관련된 수정안에는 MU90 어뢰나 CANTO 대응책의 추가 조달에 대한 언급이 없습니다.

FDI 호위함의 주요 특징을 묘사한 나발 그룹의 인포그래픽. 특히 CAMM-ER 미사일을 포함하고 있으며 NCM 11발, CAMM-ER 11발, ASTER 30 10발의 혼합 적재 구성을 보여준다. 이 구성은 각 수직 발사 모듈이 단일 유형의 미사일 8발을 수용하므로 작전상 실행 불가능하며 예시 목적으로만 보여지는 것이다. 또한 대잠 기만체의 수가 9개로 잘못 표시되어 있는데, 각 CMLS 시스템은 12개의 CANTO 기만체를 탑재한다.

표준 1에서 표준 2++로
그리스의 FDI HN 호위함은 2030년까지 프랑스 해군의 기본 구성과 동일한 표준 1에서 표준 2, 표준 2+, 그리고 최종적으로 표준 2++로 단계적인 능력 진화를 거치게 됩니다. 키몬함은 표준 1 구성으로 인도되지만, 표준 2 구성품들이 선체에 물리적으로 설치되어 있으나 아직 SETIS 전투 관리 시스템(CMS)에 모두 통합되지는 않은 상태입니다. 이는 키몬(F-601)과 네아르코스(F-602)함이 원래 5척의 라파예트급 호위함의 대체 함정으로서 프랑스 해군용으로 예정되었음을 반영합니다. 다시 말해, 프랑스가 그리스를 위해 FDI급 2번함과 3번함의 생산 순번을 양보하여 원래 프랑스 해군용이었던 선체들이 그리스 해군에 재할당된 것입니다. 프랑스는 이후 자국 프로그램에 필요한 5척의 군함을 완성하기 위해 신규 건조에 착수했습니다.

프랑스는 현재 1척의 FDI를 현역으로 운용 중이며 3척이 건조 중인 반면, 5번째 호위함에 대한 주문은 향후 몇 년 내에 이루어질 예정입니다. 초기 보고와 달리 네아르코스함은 포르미온(F-603)함보다 먼저 표준 2 구성으로 직접 인도될 예정입니다. 포르미온함은 표준 2+ 업그레이드 패키지를 받는 첫 번째 함선이 될 것이며, 테미스토클레스(F-600)함은 처음부터 표준 2+ 구성으로 건조되어 2028년 12월에 이 구성으로 인도될 예정입니다. 다시 한번, 네아르코스함은 2029년에 표준 2++ 업그레이드 패키지를 받는 첫 번째 함선이 될 것입니다.

4척의 함선 모두 2028년까지 표준 2 구성에 도달할 것으로 예상됩니다. 이 구성에서 그리스 호위함들은 프랑스의 동급 함정들보다 더 중무장되고 더 나은 장비를 갖추게 될 것입니다. 표준 2 구성에서 그리스 호위함들은 16발의 추가적인 ASTER 30 Block 1 SAM, SYLENA Mk1 방공 기만체 발사 시스템(DLS), 그리고 21연장 램(RAM) 근접 방어 무기 체계(CIWS)를 특징으로 합니다. 이러한 강화 사항 외에도 각 호위함은 9개의 센서를 갖춘 해상 레이저 경보 시스템(NLWS), 레벨-4 데이터 능력을 가능하게 하는 WiMax/5G 연결성, FDI의 전용 격납고에 수용되는 2대의 비행체로 구성되어 레벨-4 작전이 가능한 CAMCOPTER S-100 무인 항공 시스템(UAS), 그리고 다중 급탄 장치(MFD)를 갖춘 OTO 76/62SR 주포를 장착하게 됩니다.

최종 표준 2++ 구성은 능력 면에서 비약적인 도약을 의미합니다. 여기에는 SETIS CMS에 대한 대대적인 소프트웨어 업그레이드, RAM CIWS와 OTO 76/62 주포(Block 2/Mk44 Mod 4 변형 및 첨단 76mm 탄약 포함)에 대한 강화가 포함되며, 센서 및 전자 시스템의 개선을 통해 전투 효과가 더욱 향상될 것입니다. CAMCOPTER S-100의 완전한 통합은 감시 및 표적 획득 능력을 확장할 것이며, 개선된 플랫폼 간 무기 통합은 네트워크 중심 작전을 강화할 것입니다.

호위함 이드라에 설치된 HAI의 CENTAUR C-UAS 시스템. FDI HN 호위함에 C-UAS 시스템을 설치하기 위한 평가 프로세스는 이미 시작되었다. 사진: 국방부

4세트의 CAMCOPTER S-100 시스템(총 8대의 비행체)에 대한 계약은 2026년 2월 13일에 체결되었습니다. 그러나 FDI HN형 호위함에 장착할 신형 RAM 미사일에 대한 계약은 아직 보류 중입니다. 테미스토클레스함과 각 호위함을 표준 2++ 구성으로 격상하는 데 드는 예상 비용은 함당 약 500만 유로이며, 처음 3척을 일괄적으로 해당 수준으로 업그레이드하는 데는 약 6,100만 유로가 소요될 것으로 투사됩니다.

표준 2++ 로드맵을 넘어 그리스는 SYLVER A50 발사기 모듈 하나를 SYLVER A70 모듈로 교체하여 마지막 3척의 함선에 크루즈 미사일을 장착함으로써 종심 타격 능력을 도입하는 방안을 검토하고 있습니다. 마지막 3척은 이러한 개조를 수용하는 데 필요한 구조적 대비책을 갖춘 상태로 건조되고 있습니다. 이와 별도로, HAI의 CENTAUR(켄타우로스) 대드론(C-UAS) 시스템과 탈레스가 ELT 그룹과 협력하여 개발한 첨단 R-ECM 세트의 통합은 복합적인 위협 환경에서의 생존성을 더욱 향상할 것입니다.

2026년 1월 15일 살라미스 해군 기지에 도착하는 키몬 호위함. 사진: Nick Thodos (@ThNick_ on X)

전략적 함의
2026년 첫 번째 함선의 실전 배치와 2030년까지 이어지는 업그레이드 로드맵을 통해, 키몬급은 그리스를 위한 신뢰할 수 있는 고성능 해상 전력의 재확립을 상징합니다. 이는 다층 방공망을 복원하고, 첨단 디지털 전투 시스템을 도입하며, 대잠전 능력을 강화하고 미래의 타격 통합을 위한 토대를 마련합니다.

단순한 조달 프로그램을 넘어, FDI HN 구상은 그리스 해군력의 구조적 변화를 구성합니다. 이는 그리스 해군을 동지중해와 그 너머 전역에서 독자적으로 또는 동맹국 기동 부대의 일환으로 작전할 수 있는 현대적인 네트워크 중심 군대로 재정립합니다.

첫 번째 FDI HN 호위함 키몬. 나발 그룹 사진.

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Naval Analyses: The Kimon-Class Frigates: Greece’s Naval Renaissance and an Overview of the FDI HN Program

The Kimon-Class Frigates: Greece’s Naval Renaissance and an Overview of the FDI HN Program

The Kimon-Class Frigates: Greece’s Naval Renaissance and an Overview of the FDI HN Program

By D-Mitch

Copyright © NAVALANALYSES (navalanalyses.com). All rights reserved. Reproduction, republication, or translation of this content without permission is prohibited. Only brief excerpts (30–40 words) may be used with attribution and a link to navalanalyses.com.

Kimon, first FDI HN frigate for Greece arriving at
Salamis Naval Base on January 15, 2026. 
Photo by Nick Thodos (@ThNick_ on X)

On the eve of Greek Independence Day, March 24, 2022, Greece launched the most consequential naval procurement program in decades. In a celebratory ceremony held on the deck of the legendary armored cruiser Georgios Averof, permanently moored as a museum ship at Paleo Faliro, the Hellenic Republic signed a landmark agreement with French defense manufacturers Naval Group, MBDA, and Thales. The contract provides for the acquisition of three Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI) in Hellenic Navy configuration (FDI HN), with an option for a fourth vessel (3+1). All ships are being constructed in Lorient, France, with sections also built at Salamis Shipyards in Greece. The agreement includes their weapons package (missiles and torpedoes), CANTO anti-torpedo countermeasures as well as Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). The first frigate, Kimon, was officially commissioned into the Fleet on December 18, 2025 and arrived to Salamis Naval Base, Greece on January 15, 2026.

The FDI HN is one of the most powerful surface combatants for its size and one of the most sophisticated designs, worldwide. This program represents far more than the replacement of aging hulls. It marks the structural modernization of the Hellenic Navy’s surface combatant force and the restoration of high-end air-defense and network-centric warfare capabilities absent since the early 2000s.

Signing ceremony in March 2022 for Greece’s procurement
of 3+1 FDI HN frigates. Photo: Ministry of National Defence

Replacing Legacy Platforms

The FDI HN frigates will progressively replace the Elli-class (Kortenaer/S) frigates, which have served as the backbone of the fleet for more than four decades. At the same time, nearly thirty years have passed since the last modern Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigate, Salamis, entered service. For decades, Greece relied on incremental upgrades rather than generational renewal.

Two Elli-class (Kortenaer/S) frigates, of the total nine in the
Fleet, in formation. The foreground vessel is modernized,
while the one in the background remains in its original configuration.

The decommissioning of the last of the four former U.S. Navy C.F. Adams-class destroyers in 2004 left the Hellenic Navy without a true area air-defense platform. Those ships, equipped with 40-kilometer-range SM-1MR surface-to-air missiles (SAM), provided the only fleet-wide protective umbrella in high-threat environments. Today, while the Navy operates ESSM (and the older NSSM) missiles, it lacks radar systems such as APAR or SPY/AEGIS that would allow full exploitation of ESSM’s engagement envelope. The arrival of the Kimon class begins to address this structural capability gap while several characteristics of the new frigate are introduced for the first time in the Hellenic Navy.

Displacing approximately 4,600 tons in the Greek configuration, the FDI HN is a compact yet exceptionally capable multipurpose frigate. Conceived as a first-rate, scalable, and versatile combatant, it integrates the full spectrum of functions required to address both current and emerging threats, whether operating independently or as part of a task group. Designed for high-intensity naval warfare, the platform combines advanced automation with a fully digital architecture, delivering robust and high-level capabilities across anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare domains.

Early Naval Group graphic illustrating the baseline configuration of an FDI frigate.

A Digitally Native Combatant

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the FDI HN is not its missile count but its architecture. The FDI is the first frigate designed from inception with a fully digital onboard architecture built around two redundant data centers hosting a virtualized software environment. This design provides intrinsic cyber resilience and enables continuous, incremental capability upgrades throughout the ship’s service life.

Rather than relying on costly mid-life modernization programs, the FDI HN can adapt progressively to technological and operational evolution. This approach is particularly relevant in an era defined by rapidly advancing missile technology, sophisticated submarines, cyber warfare, and multi-domain asymmetric threats.

Charles F. Adams-class destroyer Kimon (D-218) launching an
SM-1 SAM during an exercise. The ship was acquired by the
Hellenic Navy in 1991, decommissioned in June 2004 and
scrapped in 2006. Photo: Hellenic Navy.

Expansion of the Program

Although the initial contract covered three ships plus an option, Greece formally exercised that option on 14 November 2025, ordering a fourth frigate. Earlier, on 1 April 2025, Naval Group had presented Greece’s political and military leadership with a broader proposal that included the possibility of locally constructing three additional ships beyond the four already contracted, signaling the long-term strategic potential of the program.

The four 122-meter multi-mission frigates form the Kimon class, named after the historic Greek admirals Kimon, Nearchos, Formion, and Themistocles, names previously borne by the former C.F. Adams destroyers operated by Greece (1991-2004).

The fourth-ship agreement was not merely an expansion in numbers. It was amendments of the two contracts signed in March 2022 concerning the procurement of FDI HN frigates (contract no. 016B/21) and their follow-on support (FOS) (contract no. 017B/21). The first amendment included the exercise of the purchase option for the fourth frigate (HN4 Themistocles) and incorporated upgrades to the first three vessels (HN1 Kimon, HN2 Nearchos, and HN3 Formion), while the second amendment extended their initial three-year FOS arrangements, and provided FOS coverage for the fourth ship. 

These upgrades were directly shaped by lessons drawn from the wars in Ukraine and Israel, as well as from Greece’s operational participation in EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES. The evolving operational environment, particularly the proliferation of unmanned systems, loitering munitions, and saturation missile attacks, has significantly influenced the configuration roadmap.

Infographic of Kimon Class (FDI HN) Frigate. By D-Mitch, 2026.

Weapons Procurement and Inventory Considerations

The original 2022 contract included the procurement of ASTER 30 Block 1 SAM, EXOCET MM40 Block 3C surface-to-surface missiles (SSM), MU90 torpedoes, and CANTO anti-torpedo decoys. However, the subsequent agreement for the fourth frigate did not automatically incorporate additional missile or torpedo procurement. Notably, no amendment was made to the missile package contract signed with MBDA in March 2022 (contract no. 018B/21).

It should be recalled that Contract No. 018B/21 included an option for the acquisition of the missile loadout for the fourth frigate at a cost of €200 million. Furthermore, the original shipbuilding contract (no. 016B/21) stipulated that, should this option be exercised, the fourth Hellenic Navy frigate (HN4) would also receive four MU90 torpedoes and eight CANTO countermeasures at an additional cost of €10 million.

The initial missile package provided approximately 1.2 loads (ASTER 30 and EXOCET) for each of the first three frigates. As a result, a total of 116 ASTER 30 missiles are currently planned. However, fully loading all 32 vertical launch cells on each of the four ships (128 cells in total) would require 128 missiles, leaving no reserve stock and, under current quantities, preventing the complete arming of the HN4. The EXOCET procurement similarly amounted to 29 missiles. These figures strongly indicate that a supplementary missile order will be necessary to ensure operational sustainability and adequate wartime depth.

The original order also included 54 CANTO decoys, sufficient to equip all four ships, as each frigate carries 12 decoys in two sextuple CMLS launchers. In contrast, only 15 MU90 torpedoes were procured, a quantity insufficient to provide even a single full load per ship, given that each frigate is fitted with two twin torpedo launchers and has storage room for up to 15 torpedoes. In practical terms and based on the contract, the allocation corresponds to five torpedoes and 18 CANTO decoys per frigate. Notably, the amendments related to the HN4 make no reference to additional procurement of either MU90 torpedoes or CANTO countermeasures.

Infographic by Naval Group depicting the key features of an FDI frigate. Notably, it includes CAMM-ER missiles and illustrates a mixed loadout of 11 NCM, 11 CAMM-ER, and 10 ASTER 30 missiles. This configuration is not operationally viable and is shown for illustrative purposes only, as each vertical launch module accommodates eight missiles of a single type. Additionally, the number of ASW decoys is incorrectly shown as nine; each CMLS system carries 12 CANTO decoys.

From Standard 1 to Standard 2++

The Greek FDI HN frigates will undergo a phased capability evolution through 2030, transitioning from Standard 1, equivalent to the French Navy baseline configuration, to Standard 2, Standard 2+, and ultimately Standard 2++. Kimon is delivered in Standard 1 configuration, although Standard 2 components are physically installed onboard but not yet all integrated into the SETIS combat management system (CMS). This reflects the fact that Kimon (F-601) and Nearchos (F-602) were originally intended for the French Navy as replacements for the five La Fayette-class frigates. In other words, France effectively gave up its production slots for the second and third FDI-class frigates in favor of Greece, with hulls originally intended for the French Navy reassigned to the Hellenic Navy. France subsequently initiated new constructions to complete the five warships required under its own program.

France currently has one FDI in active service and three under construction while the order for the fifth frigate is expected in the coming years. Contrary to early reports, Nearchos will be delivered directly in Standard 2 configuration rather than Formion (F-603). Formion will become the first ship to receive the Standard 2+ upgrade package, while Themistocles (F-600) will be constructed from the outset in the Standard 2+ configuration and will be delivered in this configuration in December 2028. Nearchos, once again, will be the first ship to receive the Standard 2++ upgrade package in 2029.

All four ships are expected to reach the Standard 2 configuration by 2028. In this configuration, the Greek frigates will be more heavily armed and better equipped than their French counterparts. In Standard 2 configuration, the Greek frigates will feature 16 extra ASTER 30 Block 1 SAMs, SYLENA Mk1 AAW decoy launching systems (DLS), and a 21-tube Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). In addition to these enhancements, each frigate will be equipped with a naval laser warning system (NLWS) with nine sensors, WiMax/5G connectivity enabling Level-4 data capabilities, a CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned aerial system (UAS) configured for Level-4 operations with two air vehicles both housed in the FDI’s dedicated hangar, and an OTO 76/62SR main gun with Multi-Feeding Device (MFD).

The final Standard 2++ configuration represents a significant leap in capability. It includes major software upgrades to the SETIS CMS, enhancements to both the RAM CIWS and the OTO 76/62 main gun (including Block 2/Mk44 Mod 4 variants and advanced 76mm ammunition), as well as improvements to sensors and electronic systems will further enhance combat effectiveness. Full integration of the CAMCOPTER S-100 will expand surveillance and targeting capabilities, while improved cross-platform weapon integration will enhance network-centric operations.

HAI's CENTAUR C-UAS system on board frigate Hydra. The
assessment process for the installation of the C-UAS system
on the FDI HN frigates has already begun. Photo: MoD 

The contract for four CAMCOPTER S-100 systems (eight air vehicles in total) was signed on February 13, 2026. However, the contract for new RAM missiles intended to equip the FDI HN-type frigates is still pending. The estimated cost to elevate Themistocles, and each frigate, to Standard 2++ configuration is approximately €5 million per vessel, while upgrading the first three ships collectively to that level is projected at around €61 million.

Beyond the Standard 2++ roadmap, Greece is examining the installation of cruise missiles on the final three ships by replacing one SYLVER A50 launcher module with a SYLVER A70 module, thereby introducing a deep-strike capability. The final three vessels are being constructed with the necessary structural provisions to accommodate this modification. Separately, the integration of HAI’s CENTAUR (Kentavros) counter-UAS system and an advanced R-ECM suite developed by Thales in cooperation with ELT Group will further enhance survivability in complex threat environments. 

Kimon frigate arriving at Salamis Naval Base on January
15, 2026. Photo by Nick Thodos (@ThNick_ on X)

Strategic Implications

With the first ship entering service in 2026 and the upgrade roadmap extending through 2030, the Kimon-class marks the reestablishment of credible high-end maritime power for Greece. It restores layered air defense, introduces advanced digital combat systems, strengthens anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and lays the groundwork for future strike integration.

More than a procurement program, the FDI HN initiative constitutes a structural transformation of Greek naval power. It repositions the Hellenic Navy as a modern, network-centric force capable of operating independently or as part of allied task groups across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

Kimon, the first FDI HN frigate. Naval Group photo.

Copyright © NAVALANALYSES (navalanalyses.com). All rights reserved. Reproduction, republication, or translation of this content without permission is prohibited. Only brief excerpts (30–40 words) may be used with attribution and a link to navalanalyses.com.

[백선호]

Adams가 쓰던 이름을 물려받네요. Adams들도 1991-1992년에 넘겨 받은 것들이었습니다.

https://web.archive.org/web/20100616033423fw_/http://hazegray.org/worldnav/europe/greece.htm#1

[위종민]

뭔가 근본넘치는 이름이다 싶었는데 함명을 물려쓰네요. 우리도 광개토대왕급 퇴역하면 그 뒤 후속함에 함명을 건네줘야 할 지도 모르겠습니다.