Greece has officially ordered a fourth Fr égate de D éfense et d ’Intervention (FDI) frigate from Naval Group, reinforcing the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy and strengthening the strategic defense partnership between Athens and Paris.

The contract was signed on 14 November 2025 by Major General Ioannis Bouras, Director General of the General Directorate of Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), and Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group. The agreement covers the construction of a fourth FDI frigate along with its long-term maintenance and includes the integration of enhanced capabilities across the entire FDI Hellenic Navy fleet. The acquisition follows the original 2022 contract for three FDI frigates with an option for a fourth, which has now been exercised. The first three ships are already under construction, with the lead vessel nearing delivery by the end of 2025. The fourth frigate will be fully aligned with the configuration and technological standards of the existing fleet, ensuring interoperability and fleet-level efficiency.

In a statement following the signing ceremony, Pierre Éric Pommellet said the order “confirms Greece ’s confidence in the FDI programme and the satisfaction of the Hellenic Navy with these first-rank naval assets.”He added that Naval Group remains committed to delivering high-performance platforms that will enhance Greek naval sovereignty and operational superiority. A key element of the fourth frigate programme is the continued integration of Greek industry into the production chain. Naval Group announced that 25% of the ship ’s value will be generated by Greek companies, further strengthening the country ’s maritime-industrial base and reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the program.

The FDI is a multi-mission, first-rank combat ship designed for high-intensity operations across all domains of naval warfare. The platform offers advanced capabilities in anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and asymmetric warfare, while also being optimized for network-centric operations and cyber resilience. The frigate features a next-generation digital architecture, advanced sensors, and highly integrated combat systems that allow it to respond effectively to modern maritime threats such as stealth submarines, supersonic missiles and evolving hybrid tactics.

The ship ’s design also emphasizes automation and operational efficiency. Reduced crewing requirements, improved maintainability and optimized logistics ensure higher availability and lower lifecycle costs. The class has already demonstrated excellent seaworthiness during sea trials of the French Navy ’s lead ship Admiral Ronarc ’h , which successfully operated in Sea State 7 during Atlantic trials.

Built to fully comply with NATO standards, the FDI frigates provide seamless interoperability with allied fleets, reinforcing Greece ’s role as a key security partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. With the addition of the fourth FDI, Greece continues to modernize its naval forces as part of a broader defense transformation strategy, ensuring long-term deterrence, regional stability and operational readiness.