Greece has announced plans to acquire a fourth Belharra frigate from France, bolstering its navy as it continues to recover from a decade-long debt crisis.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias made the announcement during the launch ceremony for the second Belharra frigate in Lorient, France.
The initial agreement, signed in 2021, involved the purchase of three frigates for €3 billion, with an option for a fourth.
Mr. Dendias revealed that three of the four Belharra frigates will be equipped with "Scalp Naval" cruise missiles, capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometers away. This acquisition aligns with Greece's broader military modernization plan, which includes purchasing up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the United States and Rafale jets from France.
Greece's decision to acquire additional military hardware comes amid ongoing tensions with neighboring Turkey. The two NATO allies have long-standing disputes over issues such as territorial waters, energy resources, and the status of Cyprus.
In a related development, Greek officials confirmed plans to purchase Switchblade drones from the United States. These drones, along with Spike anti-tank missiles, will be deployed to Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, forming a "rocket wall" to deter potential threats.