Greece set to receive three French-built frigates to enhance naval capabilities

The Greek Navy is set to receive a significant boost to its defensive capabilities with the delivery of three new Belharra-class frigates from France. These advanced warships will not only enhance Greece’s naval power but also strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries at sea.

Currently, two of the frigates are undergoing sea trials after being launched, while the third had its keel attached in April. The ships are expected to be ready for service by 2025 and 2026, equipped with state-of-the-art defense systems sourced primarily from France.

The frigates will be armed with Exocet anti-surface missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, RAM missiles, and antisubmarine torpedoes, along with helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. They will also feature the latest radar technology, providing continuous surveillance without the need for rotation.

With France’s Naval Group sharing its advanced technology with Salamis Shipyards in Greece, the country is poised to enter a new era of shipbuilding. The president of Salamis Shipyards expressed optimism about Greece becoming a key player in defense shipbuilding, not only domestically but also on an international scale.

The delivery of these frigates comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly with neighboring Turkey. The strategic acquisition of these warships is part of Greece’s efforts to bolster its defense capacities in the region, amidst disputes over territorial rights and gas exploration.

In addition to the frigates, Greece has also purchased French Rafale fighter jets to modernize its armed forces, further solidifying the defense partnership between the two nations. The Franco-Greek defense pact, signed alongside the frigate contract, includes a mutual defense clause to provide support in case of aggression from a third party.