Frigate Kimon to visit Thessaloniki for national celebrations

The new FDI HN-class frigate, Kimon (F-601), is scheduled to anchor in Thessaloniki's Thermaic Gulf during the national holiday celebrations from October 26 to 28. This marks the first time in over thirty years that a newly delivered major strike unit of the Hellenic Navy will be presented to the public in Northern Greece, following the induction of the MEKO 200HN class in the 1990s.

As a highly advanced digital combat vessel, the Kimon features specialized systems for area air defense and anti-submarine warfare. The Greek version includes specific enhancements and additional systems requested by the Hellenic Navy compared to the original French FDI model. The ship is equipped with the Sea Fire 500 AESA digital radar, which has a detection range of up to 500 kilometers.

The vessel displaces approximately 4,500 tons, measures 122 meters in length, and carries a crew of 125 to 130 personnel. It can reach speeds exceeding 27 knots and possesses an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles.