Delivery of the “S” Class Frigate “Kountouriotis” (Source: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems; issued Sept. 12, 2006) On Tuesday September 12th, 2006, the “S” Class Frigate “Kountouriotis” was delivered to the Hellenic Navy, during a ceremony that took place in the premises of Hellenic Shipyards S.A. in Skaramangas. Rear Admiral I. Karaiskos H.N., Deputy Chief of Fleet, attended the ceremony.
The Frigate “Kountouriotis” is the first of the six “S” Class frigates to be modernized for the Hellenic Navy. HS “Kountouriotis,” underwent extensive and demanding sea trials following her modernization, having had all her systems successfully tested and is now ready to join again the Hellenic Navy.
The Hellenic Ministry of Defense awarded the “S” class frigates contract to Hellenic Shipyards in 2003. The foreseen end of this program is October 2009.
The modernization scope of work is mainly the renewal of most of the sensors and weapon systems, the installation of a new tactical combat system, the modernization of the communication and navigation systems, the replacement of the propulsion, monitoring and control system (IPMS) and some other platform modernization works.
These developments render the vessels particularly effective in meeting the specific operational needs of the Hellenic Navy and represent a significant and important step in the process of modernization that the Hellenic Navy is carrying out.
Two more frigates are being currently modernized in the premises of Hellenic Shipyards S.A., Frigate “Adrias” and Frigate “Navarino”. Frigate “Adrias” is planned to be delivered to the Hellenic Navy in November 2006.
With regard to the frigate delivery, Mr. Thies Stueber, Member of the Board and COO of Hellenic Shipyards S.A. stated: “This is a fine example of the work of Hellenic Shipyards, supported by the know-how of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Hellenic Shipyards S.A. is becoming a technologically advanced shipyard and we will continue to invest in that direction.”
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