Frigate “Kimon” heads to open sea for trials – See photos of the first Greek Belharra at sea

The FDI-class frigate F-601 “Kimon” has commenced its inaugural sea trials in Lorient, France, as reported by Naval Group, which also shared a related video.

[#Navgreek](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navgreek?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ⚓​🇬🇷​ HS Kimon, the first [#FDI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FDI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) frigate for the [@NavyGR](https://twitter.com/NavyGR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), began its first sea trials on May 21st in Lorient, France. The ship benefited from the insights gained during the sea trials of the Amiral Ronarc’h, the initial vessel for the [@MarineNationale](https://twitter.com/MarineNationale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). pic.twitter.com/QEDA9ZAWwx

— Naval Group (@navalgroup) May 23, 2025

The French shipbuilding company indicated that the new FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigate, destined for the Hellenic Navy, set sail for open waters on Wednesday, May 21, following the successful trials of the equivalent vessel for the French Navy, the “Amiral Ronarc’h.”

Furthermore, Naval Group announced the impending launch of the third Greek FDI frigate, named “Formion,” stating:

“2025 marks a significant year for the FDI program, featuring the sea trials and forthcoming delivery of the frigate ‘Kimon’ to the Hellenic Navy, alongside the imminent launch of the third vessel, ‘Formion.’”