Today, Thursday, in Lorient, France, the official ceremony raises the Greek flag on the FDI-class frigate “Kimon” and delivers it to the Hellenic Navy. The cutting-edge, digital frigate successfully completed final trials, attended by National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and military leadership, with manufacturer Naval Group announcing handover to Greece.
Per schedule, “Kimon” will arrive in Greece early next year for an official welcome ceremony. Its integration, alongside other FDI frigates, will significantly boost the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Navy expansion with FDI frigates
Defense Ministry plans include four FDI (Belharra) frigates and at least two Bergamini by early next decade. On November 14, a €982 million contract signed for the fourth frigate, with increased Greek construction participation (25%) and payments until 2030. The fourth, named “Themistocles,” will be Belharra Standard 2++ with enhanced capabilities.
The first three program frigates are “Kimon” (F-601), “Nearchos” (F-602), and “Formion” (F-603), at various testing and integration stages.
FDI Kimon on her way back to Lorient for her delivery ceremony to the @NavyGR.
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) December 15, 2025
©REA / Naval Group pic.twitter.com/w1L7amKpAc
Cimon’s historical ties to Cyprus
Cimon maintains pivotal connections to Cyprus, both in island history and broader Greek world of the 5th century BC. Son of Miltiades, Kimon, ranked among classical Athens’ top generals and led post-Persian Wars foreign policy.
Cyprus held strategic position in his plans, at crossroads of Greece, Asia Minor, and Near East, serving as key control point against Persian influence in Eastern Mediterranean.
Ancient campaign against Persians
In 451 BC, Cimon led major Athenian fleet expedition to Cyprus, aiming to liberate Greek cities from Persians and bolster Athenian presence. During campaign, he besieged Kition, one of Cyprus’ major centers. There, Cimon died suddenly, likely from illness, lending near-mythic dimensions to his island presence.
Ancient sources say Athenians concealed his death to maintain army morale, achieving key naval and land victories over Persians.
Callias peace treaty outcome
Kimon’s Cyprus campaign ultimately led to the Callias Treaty, securing Persian withdrawal from Aegean and autonomy for many Greek cities, including Cypriot ones. Thus, Cyprus links directly to end of Kimon’s life and peak of his politico-military action, symbolizing Greek world’s freedom struggle against Persian dominance.
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