Greece Approves Purchase of Fourth French FDI Frigate

Kimon undergoes its last preparations for imminent transportation to Greece, Credit: AMNA.

Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) has approved the acquisition of a 4th French-made FDI frigate, which volition beryllium named the F-600 Themistocles. The deal, estimated to outgo nether 800 cardinal euros, includes a proviso for 25% of the worth (200 cardinal euros) to beryllium reinvested successful Greek defence companies.

The declaration signing betwixt Athens and Paris is expected to coincide with the handover ceremonial of the HS Kimon, Greece’s archetypal FDI frigate, scheduled to get astatine Salamis Naval Base aboriginal this year.

This 4th frigate is an summation to the 3 Belharra-class frigates already ordered successful 2021—the Kimon, Formion, and Nearchos—as portion of a astir 3 cardinal euro woody to regenerate aging ships.

According to Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the Themistocles volition beryllium an upgraded model, featuring caller capabilities, including ballistic rocket defense. He besides noted that the archetypal 3 frigates volition beryllium upgraded to the aforesaid modular to guarantee a unified and modern fleet.

Following parliamentary approval, the declaration volition beryllium signed, and operation of the caller frigate volition begin.

This acquisition is portion of Greece’s broader, 10-year, 25-billion-euro defence modernization plan. This semipermanent strategy includes the procurement of caller subject assets specified arsenic F-35 combatant jets from the United States, submarines, caller drones, and the improvement of an “anti-aircraft dome” for enhanced aerial defense.

Related: Greece Eyes Fourth Frigate arsenic ‘Phormion’ is Launched successful France