Greece has finalized a new agreement with French shipbuilder Naval Group to procure an additional Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI) for the Hellenic Navy. The contract includes the construction of a fourth vessel, comprehensive maintenance support, and capability upgrades for the entire FDI fleet. The deal builds on earlier negotiations with France’s General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments, valuing the new ship at approximately 982 million euros ($1.1 billion).
Under the arrangement, about 25 percent of the construction work and components will be sourced from Greek defense companies, strengthening the country’s domestic industrial participation. The FDI program, initially launched in 2022, originally included three ships with an option for a fourth. Naval Group secured the primary contract for the program, and the first three frigates are currently progressing through the production phase. The lead ship is scheduled for delivery by the end of this year.
FDI frigates are advanced multi-role warships designed for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and asymmetric warfare missions. Their digital architecture and high-performance data-processing systems offer enhanced situational awareness and protection against modern threats, including supersonic missiles and cyberattacks. Built with compact hulls and modular systems, they are capable of operating in a wide range of environments—from harsh seas to archipelagic waters.
Automation and optimized maintenance requirements significantly reduce crew size, improving operational availability. Designed to meet NATO standards, the ships ensure high interoperability with allied navies. Naval Group has already conducted demanding sea trials in the Atlantic, where the FDIs demonstrated strong stability and performance in severe weather conditions, reinforcing confidence in their operational capabilities.
