Naval Group Launches Greece's First Belharra-Class Frigate in France
Naval Group has successfully launched Greece's inaugural Belharra-class medium-sized frigate in Lorient, France. This achievement is part of a contract signed in September 2021, which entails the acquisition of three warships to enhance the Hellenic Navy's capabilities in national security and supporting the European Union. The completed vessels will be integrated into the existing fleet of the Greek navy, which currently consists of 13 frigates manufactured between the 1980s and early 2000s.
Named HS Kimon, the frigate weighs 4,500 tons and measures 122 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 17.7 meters in beam. Its propulsion system will rely on a combined diesel and diesel engine, enabling a maximum speed of 27 knots (50 kilometers/31 miles per hour). The weapons systems of HS Kimon will include Aster surface-to-air missiles, Exocet MM40 B3C naval anti-ship missiles, MU 90 lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, CANTO countermeasures, and 76-millimeter guns.
The aviation deck of HS Kimon is designed to accommodate various rotorcrafts, such as Guépard Marine H160M or MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, as well as SDAM or Schiebel Camcopter S-100 aerial drones.
The Belharra-class frigates are the export variant of the French Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI). The French government had previously signed a contract for five FDI vessels, four years ahead of the agreement with Greece. Naval Group collaborated with Thales to provide onboard solutions for the FDIs, including sonars, radars, electronic warfare technology, and naval communication systems.
