Belharra: Satisfaction with the Sea Trials of the ‘Amiral Ronarc’h’ Frigate

The sea trials of the ‘Amiral Ronarc’h’, the first Belharra-class frigate for France, have been completed successfully. Present during these trials were Greek naval officers who will serve as commanding officers of the FDI frigates ‘KIMON’ and ‘NEARCHOS’. Also onboard were key members of the French Navy crew that will form the core of the first crew of the ‘KIMON’, which is scheduled to be delivered by Naval Group to the Hellenic Navy by late 2025. According to French manufacturers, the sea trials left the Marine Nationale highly satisfied, marking a countdown towards the delivery of the first Belharra frigate from the shipyards. Despite being the first vessel of its class, where issues are typical, the ‘Amiral Ronarc’h’ faced minimal problems not affecting any critical systems, focusing mainly on seakeeping and general behavior under all conditions. The advanced technology used in designing and constructing the ship’s systems, along with exhaustive dockside testing before sea trials, ensured timely resolution of any issues. Successful trials pave the way for armament installation and simplify the process for Greece’s three FDI frigates. Training for the first crew is progressing both in France and Greece, with subsequent crews expected to participate in the trials of ‘KIMON’ and ‘NEARCHOS’. All three vessels are set for delivery by 2026, with anticipation for finalizing an agreement for a fourth FDI frigate.