Greece has officially commissioned its first FDI HN Belharra frigate, the F–601 “Kimon,” in a ceremonial flag-raising event currently taking place in Lorient, France. The occasion marks a significant milestone for the Hellenic Navy and Greece’s ongoing naval modernization program.
The ceremony is attended by Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, alongside top military officials including General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, and Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff.
During his visit, Minister Dendias is scheduled to meet with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, to discuss bilateral defense cooperation, regional and European security concerns, and prospects for deepening the strategic relationship between Greece and France.
Speaking at the event, Dendias emphasized the significance of the “Kimon” for Greece’s naval capabilities. “The addition of the frigate ‘Kimon’ and the following three FDI HN frigates creates the strongest Navy the Greek people have ever had. Greece strengthens not to threaten, but to protect, guarantee, and deter, prioritizing justice over power,” he said. He described the flag-raising as a moment of national pride, highlighting Greece’s enduring connection to the sea.
Rear Admiral Katara underscored that the Belharra frigates represent the next generation of naval capabilities. “They are far more than warships; they are state-of-the-art units that allow us to project the Greek flag and our power,” he stated. The frigates also cement the strategic partnership between Greece and France, reinforcing a robust alliance in regional and European security.
The frigate was named in honor of Admiral Kimon, reflecting Greece’s naval heritage and commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty. Vice Admiral Panagiotis Laskaridis, the ship’s sponsor, conducted the traditional christening, breaking a bottle on the hull. The religious blessing was performed by Metropolitan Dimitrios of France.
The event was attended by senior military leaders, government officials, and representatives from Naval Group and the Greek shipyards, highlighting the significance of this milestone in modernizing Greece’s naval forces.
The “Kimon” will now begin its operational journey in the Mediterranean, serving as a powerful platform to enhance Greece’s maritime defense, deter threats, and strengthen its strategic position in the region.
