Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is visiting the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient today, where the Hellenic Navy’s future frigates are under construction, marking a significant step in Greece’s largest naval modernization plan in two decades.
The visit underscores the strategic defence partnership between Greece and France, following Greece’s commitment to purchase three state-of-the-art Belharra frigates, with an option for a fourth.
The 2.26 billion euros deal is part of a broader effort to bolster the European Union’s defense capabilities.
Mr. Mitsotakis’ tour of the shipyards will include an inspection of the frigate KIMON, which is nearing completion and is slated for delivery by June 2025.
He will also review the progress of the NEARCHOS and FORMION frigates, expected to be delivered in late 2025 and 2026.
Following his shipyard visit, the prime minister will proceed to Normandy, where he has been invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to participate in the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the Allied forces’ landing.
The event will host a gathering of global leaders, reflecting the deepening ties among European nations and their allies.
The frigate purchase, hailed by French President Macron as a bold step towards European strategic autonomy, comes at a time when Greece seeks to enhance its naval capabilities in response to regional security challenges.
The Belharra frigates, equipped with advanced weaponry including Aster 30 B1 and Exocet MM40 Block 3C missiles, represent a new era of defence cooperation between Greece and France.
By Yiannis Kantellis