Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) has approved the purchase of a fourth French-made FDI frigate, which will be named the F-600 Themistocles. The deal, estimated to cost under roughly $945 million, includes a provision for 25 percent of the value (about $236.3 million) to be reinvested in Greek defense companies.
The contract signing between Athens and Paris is expected to coincide with the handover ceremony of the HS Kimon, Greece’s first FDI frigate, scheduled to arrive at Salamis Naval Base later this year.
This fourth frigate is an addition to the three Belharra-class frigates already ordered in 2021—the Kimon, Formion, and Nearchos—as part of a roughly about $3.5 billion deal to replace aging ships.
According to Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the Themistocles will be an upgraded model, featuring new capabilities, including ballistic missile defense. He also noted that the first three frigates will be upgraded to the same standard to ensure a unified and modern fleet.
Following parliamentary approval, the contract will be signed, and construction of the new frigate will begin. This acquisition is part of Greece’s broader, 10-year, 25-billion-euro (about $29.5 billion) defense modernization plan. The long-term strategy includes the procurement of new military assets such as F-35 fighter jets from the United States, submarines, new drones, and the development of an “anti-aircraft dome” for enhanced air defense.
Related: Greece Eyes Fourth Frigate as ‘Phormion’ is Launched in France
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