Greece has reached an agreement with France to deepen its defense cooperation by purchasing the fourth FDI-class frigate. According to statements made by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias at the launching ceremony of the 3rd FDI frigate “Formion” in Lorient, France, the Greek defense industry is expected to contribute 25% to the program with this new ship. This development is considered as part of Greece’s strategy to increase its deterrent power in the Eastern Mediterranean and develop local defense industry capacity.
Strong Deterrence in the Eastern Mediterranean with FDI Frigates
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, in his speech at the launching ceremony of the 3rd FDI class frigate “Formion”, said, “With the FDI frigates, we are creating a strong and reliable deterrent force in the Eastern Mediterranean.” These words clearly reveal Greece’s strategic priorities in the regional security architecture.
Dendias also announced the successful completion of negotiations for the 4th FDI frigate, which has been on the agenda for a long time. He emphasized that the Greek defense industry will have a 25% contribution rate for the ship in question and that the cost will be at the same level as the previous ships. According to the news by Defense Review GR, this program will be officially contracted in the coming months.
In a statement to the press, Dendias announced that the name of the 4th frigate will be “Themistoklis”. Stating that with this new ship, the Greek defense industry has reached a 25% local production contribution in a large-scale program for the first time, Dendias said, “We are not only customers but also production partners” and expressed that this development is a historical turning point for the Greek defense industry. This is an indication of Greece’s long-term strategy to increase its own capacity through technology transfer and local production, rather than just purchasing ready-made products.
New Submarines and MEKO Frigate Modernization Also on the Agenda
The Greek Defense Minister said that after the 4th FDI ship, priority will be given to the construction of new submarines equipped with strategic weapons. It was also stated that these submarines, which are planned to be equipped with French-made SCALP Naval cruise missiles, strengthen the hand of the French Naval Group. Equipping the submarines with cruise missiles will significantly increase the long-range precision strike capability of the Greek Navy.
In addition, approval is expected for the MEKO class frigates, which have been awaiting modernization for a long time. Dendias stated that the cost of this program will not exceed 4 million Euros in total for 390 ships. The modernization of the MEKO frigates will extend the life of the current fleet while strengthening their operational capabilities against current threats.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chief of the Greek General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the Chief of the Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras. In addition, many high-level French officials were present, including former French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and the Commander-in-Chief of the French Navy, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour. This high-level participation underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between France and Greece and the importance of defense cooperation.
Dendias also visited the first frigate “Kimon” built at Naval Group facilities and examined the work on site. In his speech, Dendias said, “Our fleet will be strengthened with this ship that we will receive in 2025. We are proud.” The early delivery of “Kimon” will accelerate the process of meeting the operational needs of the Greek Navy.
These moves by Greece can be interpreted as part of its goal to strengthen its naval power in the Eastern Mediterranean and play a more active role in regional dynamics. Increasing the local contribution share will also make a significant contribution to Greece’s defense industry independence in the long term.
