Hellenic Navy Launches New Frigate HS Formion and Expands Presence in the Mediterranean with 4,500-Ton Ship.
The Hellenic Navy has taken another strategic step in its naval modernization plan with the launch of the frigate HS Formion, the third of the advanced FDI class (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention).
The ship, weighing 4,500 tons, was officially presented in a ceremony at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France, attended by high-ranking officials from Greece and France.
The vessel now joins the other Greek frigates already floating on the Scorff River that will be delivered between 2025 and 2026.
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Technical Specifications of Frigate HS Formion
Armament:
- 2 CANTO decoy launchers
- 4 MU90 torpedo tubes
- 8 Exocet MM40 B3c missiles
- 32 Aster missiles
- 76 mm gun
- RAM missiles
Length: Approximately 122 meters
Displacement: 4,500 tons
Aerial capacity: helicopters up to 10 tons and UAVs with vertical takeoff
Maximum speed: 27 knots
Frigate HS Formion Strengthens Greek Defense in All Naval Domains
Designed to respond to air, submarine, and surface threats, the HS Formion represents a leap in Greece’s defense capability.
The frigate is equipped with Aster and Exocet missiles, MU90 torpedoes, a 76 mm gun, CANTO countermeasure systems, and the ability to operate helicopters and vertical takeoff drones.

This combination makes it one of the most complete vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The launch of the HS Formion frigate is not just a military accomplishment, but also an industrial one. The program involves the participation of around 70 Greek companies in the Naval Group’s supply chain.
Part of the construction was carried out in shipyards on the island of Salamina, reinforcing the commitment to strategic autonomy and the strengthening of the national Greek industry.
Progress in Schedule Places Three Greek Frigates in Active Phase
With the launch of the HS Formion, all three frigates acquired by the Hellenic Navy are now in advanced stages.
The first, HS Kimon, is currently undergoing sea trials, while HS Nearchos is in the integration phase and is expected to begin port trials after the European summer.
The delivery of the three units is expected to take place between 2025 and 2026.
The launch ceremony was attended by Greece’s Minister of National Defense, Nikolaos Dendias, and the Chief of Staff of the French Navy, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, who emphasized the importance of Franco-Greek cooperation for security in the Mediterranean.
Source: Poder Naval

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