Greece Receives First Belharra-Class Frigate in Landmark Ceremony

Lorient, France – December 18, 2025

The Hellenic Navy marked a historic milestone on Thursday as the Greek flag was raised on the HS Kimon (F-601), the first of four advanced Belharra-class (FDI HN) frigates acquired from France's Naval Group. The ceremony took place at the company's shipyards in Lorient, attended by Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.

Speaking at the event, Minister Dendias described the delivery as far more than the handover of a single vessel:

"This is not simply the delivery of an exceptional ship but the entry of the Armed Forces and the Hellenic Navy into a new era."

He highlighted the occasion as a testament to the deepening strategic partnership between Greece and France, noting that the agreement "also bears my own signature." Dendias extended gratitude to the French government and his counterpart, Minister Catherine Vautrin, praising the "extremely cordial" bilateral relations.

Dendias was joined by Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Houpis, and Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras. 9 "LARGE" 10 "LARGE"

The minister is scheduled to meet with French Minister Catherine Vautrin in Lorient to discuss enhanced bilateral defence cooperation, regional and European security challenges, and further strengthening of ties. Key topics include the implementation of existing agreements, defence industry collaboration, and coordinated responses to modern threats.

The HS Kimon represents a quantum leap for the Hellenic Navy, featuring a fully digital architecture, cutting-edge sensors, and multi-domain combat systems. Equipped with Aster missiles for area air defence, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and advanced anti-submarine capabilities, it is designed for high-intensity operations in contested environments. 0 "LARGE" 5 "LARGE" 7 "LARGE" 3 "LARGE"

Following the ceremony, the frigate is expected to sail to Greece in early 2026, with subsequent vessels—HS Nearchos, HS Formion, and a fourth recently contracted—enhancing Greece's naval deterrence in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.