On Friday, October 30, 2026, the name-giving – Greek flag-raising and commissioning ceremony of the newly built Frigate FDI “NEARCHOS” into the Hellenic Navy took place at the facilities of Naval Group in Lorient, France, in the presence of the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN.
The ceremony was also attended by the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Catherine Vautrin, the Chief of Staff of the French Navy, Admiral Christophe Cluzel, the Commander in Chief of Hellenic Fleet, Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos HN, members of the Supreme Naval Council, the General Director of General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) of the Ministry of National Defence, Major General Ioannis Bouras, the Ambassador of Greece in France, Mr Ioannis-Miltiadis Nikolaidis, the Ambassador of France in Greece, Mr Nicolas Kassianides, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of “Naval Group”, Pierre Éric Pommellet, representatives of foreign diplomatic and military delegations, representatives of Greek defence industries, as well as other invited guests. The blessing ceremony was officiated by His Eminence the Metropolitan of France, Mr Dimitrios.
The ship’s sponsors were Mr Athanasios Martinos and Mrs Marina Martinos.
In his address, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff stated:
“With great joy, deep pride and exceptional honour, I am here today in Lorient, at the impressive Shipyards of Naval Group, for the historic ceremony of Name-giving – Greek flag-raising of the second FDI Frigate of the Hellenic Navy, Frigate HS NEARCHOS.
FDI-class frigates, distinguished by their technological superiority and unparalleled operational capabilities, embody the very essence of modern naval warfare. Through their innovations, they represent the next generation of shipbuilding excellence.
This class of frigates significantly enhances the operational capabilities of the Fleet, strengthening Hellenic Navy’s ability to meet the demands of an ever-changing and multidimensional maritime security environment. At the same time, they enable the projection of credible naval power, supporting national diplomacy and advancing our national interests in close cooperation and coordination with our friends and allies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This class of frigates stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship between France and Greece. It represents a strategic partnership founded on shared values and mutual respect, an unwavering alliance forged through common challenges and opportunities, a relationship that continues to reach new heights.
Esteemed Guests,
We bestow upon this frigate the illustrious name of Admiral Nearchos, the distinguished Naval Commander of Alexander the Great, who pioneered the use of naval power as an instrument of national influence. Through this choice, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to naval excellence, paying tribute to a rich legacy of courage and strategic vision that has continuously shaped the identity of Greek seamanship throughout the centuries.
With a deep sense of gratitude, we have a duty to pay due tribute to and acknowledge the selfless contribution of the sponsors of HS NEARCHOS, Mr Athanasiou Martinou and Mrs Marina Martinou, to the Hellenic Navy. I am certain that our national memory will preserve the indelible mark of their tangible generosity, rightfully placing them among the Benefactors of the Nation. As the ship’s sponsors, Mr and Mrs Martinou will forever remain inextricably associated with HS NEARCHOS, accompanying her as a lasting moral legacy on every voyage and every mission.
Crew of the Frigate HS NEARCHOS,
I have repeatedly emphasised on every occasion that the prosperity of the Hellenic Navy and Greece has always been associated with an inverted bow. From the prow of the Ancient Trireme to AVEROF, and to the present day, with the imposing bows of the frigates HS KIMON and HS NEARCHOS, this enduring symbol has accompanied our naval tradition.
I therefore urge you to sail forward with unwavering determination and high morale, so that you may soon gaze upon the Greek seas with the confidence of a victor and rightful owner of your domain, as worthy guardians of this glorious naval tradition.
Approximately two years ago, here in Lorient, we watched this vessel touch the sea for the very first time. Recently, you sent a resounding message in every direction: ‘We are ready.’ Today, my response to you is: ‘Take your place in formation and follow in the wake of the maiden voyage!’
Dear Friends,
As Frigate HS NEARCHOS now proudly carries the Greek flag on her mast, charting a course for frigates FORMION and THEMISTOKLES to follow, we are confident that she will sail forth, upholding the distinguished legacy of her name, guided by the compass of safeguarding our national interests, stability and security, and bound for a future of national progress, strength and prosperity.
Thank you.”
Commander G. Laiakis HN
Spokesperson for the General Staff
