Kimon-class Frigate: HS Formion Launching Milestone
In a significant development for the Hellenic Navy, the Naval Group has officially launched the HS Formion (F-603), the third Kimon-class frigate, at the western French port of Lorient. This event marked a crucial milestone as the ship made its initial contact with water, moving into the final outfitting stage before it is handed over to the Greek authorities in Athens.
The HS Formion is equipped with an integrated steel mast and the advanced Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module. These features are designed to enhance the frigate’s operational capabilities, providing 360-degree continuous surveillance capabilities, significantly improving mission command effectiveness, according to reports from Naval News.
Modernization and Strategic Importance
The construction of the HS Formion is part of a broader modernization initiative launched in 2022 aimed at integrating up to four advanced surface combatants into Greece’s naval forces. The design of these vessels is inspired by the French Navy’s Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention, also known as Belharra-class frigates. This modernization effort reflects Greece’s commitment to enhancing its naval defense capabilities.
The launch of the Formion follows closely on the heels of the commencement of sea trials for the lead ship of this program, the HS Kimon (F-601), which began last May. The HS Kimon is scheduled for commissioning later this year, while the HS Formion is projected to be inducted into service by early 2027. The entire construction phase is expected to run from 2022 until 2028.
Capabilities of the Kimon-class Frigate
Designed for multi-domain warfare, the Kimon Surface Combat Ship boasts a versatile range of capabilities. It is engineered to excel in special operations and tasks that require coordinated manned-unmanned teamwork. The vessel’s armament includes an array of advanced weaponry such as Exocet surface-to-surface missiles, RAM lightweight infrared missiles, Aster air defense missiles, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and CANTO decoy countermeasures.
The frigate is equipped with a powerful 43,000-horsepower engine, enabling it to achieve a top speed of 27 knots (approximately 31 miles per hour) and a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles (roughly 5,754 miles). With an operational endurance of up to 45 days, the HS Formion can support a crew of over 100 sailors, in addition to accommodating a naval rotorcraft and an unmanned Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle, showcasing its adaptability to various mission profiles.
