Greece’s intention to start negotiations for the acquisition of a fourth Belh@rra frigate was announced by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias during the launch of “NEANRHOS” at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, on behalf of the Greek Navy.
“I am pleased to announce today Greece’s intention to start negotiations with the aim of acquiring another frigate, the fourth of the same type. Which will be added to KIMONA, NEARCHOS and PHORMIONE. Thus further strengthening our Navy,” Dendias said, adding: “The new advanced strategic weapons of the new frigates will also be a factor of power.
Today is the launch of the frigate “Nearchos” – “Navigation” Mission in Lorient#frigate #Nearchos #naftemporiki pic.twitter.com/qUWP3eyXDT
—naftemporiki.gr (@naftemporikir) September 19, 2024
NEARCHOS, like FORMION and the fourth frigate, incorporate technologies that provide new capabilities to its arsenal. These frigates will be able to carry the SCALP NAVAL missile. Perhaps the most advanced cruise missile, capable of hitting strategic targets at long ranges (over 1000 km) and with great precision.
This addition has been included in the 12-year Long Term Defence Equipment Planning, accompanied by a 20-year horizon, which was presented to the Prime Minister, BtE will be briefed on and will be adopted by KYSEA. This will enable our country to respond to any challenge that may arise.”
Wall in the Aegean
Dendias spoke about the creation of an impregnable surface wall in the Aegean that will be created by a set of interventions:
Specifically, he stated:
“With the BELHARA shipbuilding programme of 4 frigates. With the modernisation programmes of the MEKO frigates, the ROUSSEN missiles, but also our submarines, which will immediately begin to be implemented in Greece. With the acquisition of the four ILHA vehicles, which will soon become part of our fleet. With the country’s future participation in the design and subsequent construction of the new CONSTELATION frigate.
By participating in the Eurocorvetta programme, by creating a surface wall impregnable by missiles in the Aegean Sea, by promoting a number of smaller but large commercially valuable programmes, and by building new submarines by the end of the decade, all within the country’s fiscal limits, we are taking the absolutely necessary steps to modernise and operationally update our Navy and Armed Forces.
Dendias reiterated that “Greece’s objective now is not simply to buy ready-made weapons, but to participate with an ever-increasing percentage in the co-production of the defense systems it acquires”, referring to the cooperation with the NAVAL GROUP, he said that this is not opportunistic, but there is an intention to evolve into a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship, with the Greek Innovation Center as a vehicle.
Referring to the launch of the frigate “Nearchos”, Mr Dendias noted: “We are strengthening our presence in the Eastern Mediterranean while protecting the borders and interests of the European Union. Never questioning the legal rights of other countries in the region. Always respecting the rules of international law and those provided for in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Based on the protection of our common European values. For the Europe of peace, democracy, human rights and individual freedoms. Values whose defence we expect all countries in the region to embrace.
He also made special reference to the France-Greece relationship:
“France’s relationship with Greece is long and close. It is based on shared values and objectives, particularly in the field of defence and security. The Agreement on the Establishment of the Strategic Partnership for Defence and Security Cooperation, which I had the honour of signing on 28 September 2021, confirms this relationship.”
