Greek defence minister Nikos Dendias has confirmed the decision to purchase a fourth defence and intervention frigate (FDI) for the Hellenic Navy.
The minister made the announcement following a meeting of the Government Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
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When answering journalists’ questions, Dendias said: “The fourth frigate, ‘Themistocles’, was presented. The bill is already complete and will be submitted to parliament today. ‘Themistocles’ is not simply the fourth frigate. The standard type of frigate, as agreed in 2020, was the Belharra Standard 2. ‘Themistocles’ is a Belharra Standard 2++. He fields 1+10 enhanced capabilities. One of them are ballistic missiles, the latest type of the ELSA programme currently being developed. Also, in the same framework, the previous three frigates will attain the Standard 2++ level.”
As per a GlobalData report, Greece allocated $8.9bn to its defence budget in 2024. The budget is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of over 1% between 2025 and 2029.
According to the report, equipment modernisation and commitments to Nato are primary factors influencing this spending.
Greece initially signed a memorandum of understanding in 2021 for three FDI frigates with an option for an additional vessel.
The first two frigates under the FDI HN programme are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with the third following in 2026.
France’s Naval Group, the prime contractor of the programme, began sea trials for HS Kimon, the first frigate, at its Lorient shipyard in May this year.
The second frigate, HS Nearchos, was launched in September 2024, and the third, HS Formion, was launched in June this year, both from the same shipyard.
The FDI HN frigates measure approximately 122m in length with a width of 18m and a displacement of 4,500 tonnes (t). They can reach speeds up to 27 knots.
Additionally, the vessels can accommodate a 10t class helicopter and a vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aerial vehicle.
These frigates are equipped with capabilities across various warfare domains, including antiship, antiair, antisubmarine operations, and special forces projection.
The order for the fourth frigate has been submitted to the Greek Parliament for approval. A decision is expected in the coming days, reported Reuters.
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