French FDI Frigate Secures Major Export Success with Greek Orders, Bolstering Naval Group's Global Standing

France's High-Tech Frigate, the FDI, Gains International Traction

The Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention (FDI), also known as the Belharra class for export, is being hailed as a significant export success for France, solidifying the nation's standing in the global arms market. Developed by French shipbuilder Naval Group, this high-tech warship has secured a substantial order from Greece, with further international interest anticipated.

The FDI represents a new generation of compact yet heavily armed surface combatants, designed for modern, multi-domain naval warfare. Its capabilities include advanced systems for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, making it a versatile asset for contemporary naval operations.

Greek Acquisition Bolsters French Naval Exports

Greece initially signed an agreement in March 2022 for three FDI frigates, with an option for a fourth. This option is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, with the fourth vessel likely to be named HS Themistocles. The initial three frigates were valued at approximately €3 billion, while the potential fourth is projected to cost under €1 billion.

The Greek frigates, designated HS Kimon, HS Nearchos, and HS Formion, are currently under construction at Naval Group's Lorient shipyard. Deliveries for the first three are scheduled between late 2025 and 2026, with the fourth potentially joining the fleet by 2028. Notably, the Greek variants are more heavily armed than the French Navy's own vessels, featuring 32 missile cells compared to 16 for early French models. As part of the agreement, Greece has secured industrial returns equivalent to 25% of the frigate's value, which will be reinvested into the Greek defense sector.

Advanced Technology and Capabilities

The FDI frigate, displacing 4,500 tons and measuring 122 meters in length, is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Key features include:

• The Thales Sea Fire S-band AESA radar, providing 360-degree coverage and high-speed target tracking.
• Advanced digital and data processing technologies, with native cyber protection.
• A comprehensive armament suite, including Aster surface-to-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles, MU90 torpedoes, and a 76mm gun.
• The capability to deploy a 10-ton class helicopter, such as the NH90, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• A stealthy hull design aimed at reducing radar cross-section.

The design also emphasizes automation, allowing for a reduced crew size of approximately 125 personnel, which contributes to operational efficiency.

France's Growing Influence in the Global Arms Market

This export success with the FDI frigate underscores France's prominent role in the international arms trade. France was the second-largest arms shipper globally between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 11% of global arms exports. In 2024, French defense export orders reached €18 billion, a significant increase from €8.2 billion in 2023. Naval deals, including those for submarines and surface vessels, have been a substantial contributor to these figures. Naval Group is actively pursuing further export opportunities for the FDI, targeting countries such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with an ambitious goal to sell at least 27 FDI frigates internationally.