France Proposes Three More Kimon-Class Frigates to Greece After U.S. Constellation Program Collapse
France has offered Greece the chance to build three additional Kimon-class frigates in Greek shipyards, part of expanding naval cooperation as Athens reassesses its frigate plans following the collapse of the U.S. Constellation class program.
Paris and Athens have been discussing the plan to produce three extra FDI HN (Kimon-class) warships with significant technology transfer and domestic industrial workshare. The idea comes as Greece evaluates alternatives to U.S. frigate procurements, including Italian FREMM options.
Expanded Naval Cooperation With France
Originally, Greece contracted with France’s Naval Group for three Kimon-class frigates under a deal signed in 2021, with an option for a fourth ship. The first of these, HS Kimon, was delivered and commissioned at the end of 2025, marking a milestone in the Hellenic Navy’s surface fleet renewal.
Under the new proposal, the additional vessels would be constructed in Greek shipyards, with technology transfer, training, and integration of local firms into the build and sustainment process. Industrial participation thresholds being discussed range from above 30 to as high as 40 percent, with Salamis and Skaramangas yards identified as lead partners.
Strategic Context for Greece
Greek defense planners see the Kimon-class program as central to modernizing their surface fleet through the early 2030s. A homogeneous frigate fleet can simplify training, logistics, sustainment, and upgrades across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
At the same time, Greece is reviewing other surface combatant options. Reports indicate the country is reconsidering participation in the U.S. Constellation class program after its cancellation by the U.S. Navy, while also talking about potential Italian FREMM-class acquisitions.
Industrial and Diplomatic Dimensions
The French proposal aligns with wider diplomatic activity, including discussions on renewing the 2021 France-Greece Strategic Partnership Agreement. French defense officials, including the Minister of the Armed Forces and Naval Group leadership, have visited Athens and Greek industrial facilities in recent months, reinforcing ties.
Greek shipyards already contribute to the FDI HN build process, prefabricating blocks for both Greek and French hulls. The expanded proposal would deepen that role, bringing systems integration and follow-on support work into domestic facilities.
Hellenic Navy Modernization Plans
Acceptance of the expanded build plan would increase Greece’s Kimon-class fleet to seven or eight ships, enhancing air defense, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities. The frigates are equipped with Sea Fire AESA radar, Sylver vertical launch cells for Aster missiles, RAM point defense, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar suites.
Alongside frigate growth, Greece is extending the life of MEKO 200HN frigates, acquiring corvettes with domestic build, refurbishing patrol boats, and investing in unmanned maritime systems.
What Comes Next
Negotiations are ongoing, with open issues including capital investments in Greek yards, upgrades to infrastructure, and the division of prime contractor responsibilities between Greek firms and Naval Group. If agreed, the expanded program would represent a major step in Greek naval autonomy and industrial capability.
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