Greece officially welcomed its second French-built Belharra frigate, Nearchos, into the Hellenic Navy on Friday, October 30, during a flag-raising ceremony at Naval Group’s shipyards in Lorient, marking another milestone in the country’s naval modernization program and its expanding defense partnership with France.
The ceremony was attended by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, senior military officials and representatives of the French defense industry. The raising of the Greek flag marked the vessel’s formal incorporation into the Hellenic Navy, following the delivery of the first frigate of the same class, Kimon.
Greek flag raised aboard Nearchos in Lorient ceremony
The ceremony included the formal boarding of the ship’s Greek crew, comprising approximately 128 naval personnel. The frigate is expected to arrive at the Salamis Naval Base in early December, where it will join the Hellenic fleet.
The Nearchos is equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare and combat management systems, as well as 32 vertical-launch cells for Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles and a RAM close-in defense system. The vessel is designed to conduct air defense, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions, significantly expanding the Navy’s capabilities compared with older frigates currently in service.
Before the ceremony, Dendias met French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin for discussions concerning bilateral military cooperation, European security and the two countries’ defense industries. The Greek minister also welcomed the presence of former French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who played a central role in negotiations leading to the Greek-French strategic partnership agreement.
Dendias described the frigate program as an important example of industrial cooperation, emphasizing the participation of Greek companies in the construction process.
“A part of the frigate you see behind us has Greek hands and a Greek soul,” he said, referring to components manufactured in Greece.
Four-frigate program strengthens Greek-French defense cooperation
The Nearchos is the second of four FDI HN frigates ordered by Greece from Naval Group. The third vessel, Formion, is expected to follow before the end of 2026, while the fourth, Themistocles, is scheduled for delivery at a later stage.
Greek defense reporting has highlighted the increasing involvement of domestic companies in the program, particularly following the order for the fourth frigate. The acquisition forms part of a broader modernization effort intended to strengthen Greece’s naval presence and replace aging surface combatants.
During his visit, Dendias referred to plans to upgrade the frigates to the Standard 2++ configuration by 2030, describing the resulting capabilities as among the most advanced in their category.
He also welcomed Sweden’s reported selection of the FDI platform, arguing that its adoption by additional European countries could strengthen defense-industrial cooperation and interoperability.
The minister linked the program to Greece’s wider defense reforms, which include new missile systems, unmanned platforms and investments in domestic military technology.
The Greek-French frigate agreement, signed in 2021, has become a central component of Athens’ efforts to modernize its Armed Forces while deepening strategic cooperation with Paris.
Dendias said he looked forward to welcoming Nearchos to Salamis in early December, when the vessel is expected to begin the next phase of its integration into the Hellenic Navy.
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