The Hellenic Navy’s three new FDI frigates are set to be equipped with navigation systems supplied by Exail.
As per a recent Exail press statement, Naval Group, the main contractor building the FDI vessels, has selected the firm’s Marins Inertial Navigation System (INS), Netans Data Distribution Unit (DDU), and Gecdis-W WECDIS (Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System) for the new frigates.
Its sales manager Pierre-Louis Roudaut commented: “The selection of Exail’s navigation systems for the Hellenic Navy’s FDI frigates reflects our commitment to delivering reliable and cybersecure solutions that address the evolving challenges of naval operations.”
He added: “We are proud to support the Hellenic Navy with proven technology that enhances operational confidence and security.”
HS Kimon, the first of at least three FDI frigates destined for the Hellenic Navy, is being built by Naval Group in Lorient, France. She was launched in September 2023 and this summer she has been undergoing her sea trials off the coast of Brittany.
Following the conclusion of the trials Kimon will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy by the end of 2025; her sister vessels HS Nearchos and HS Formion are expected to follow in quick succession.
The FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention or Defence and Intervention Frigate) boats are a little over 120 metres long and displace around 4,500 tonnes.
Featuring Thales radar, sonar and electronic warfare suites, they are equipped for a range of air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions, including special forces projection and asymmetric threat defence capabilities.
They sport MBDA-developed Aster and Exocet missiles, RAM missiles, a 76mm gun and carry MU 90 torpedoes launched from four tubes. An FDI vessel can launch a medium-sized helicopter — usually an NH90 or H169M — from her flight deck, as well as VTOL uncrewed air systems.
- You can read more details on the Exail website and more details about the HS Kimon on the Naval Group website