Greece Strengthens Naval Ties with France by Acquiring Fourth Belharra Frigate.

On September 17, 2025, following a meeting of the Government Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed to the press that Greece would acquire a fourth French Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI). The decision, expected for several months, reflects Athens’ intention to strengthen the Hellenic Navy at a time when the regional environment remains marked by tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
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HS Kimon, the first of the three vessels, is preparing for sea trials and is expected to be delivered to the Salamis Naval Base by the end of the year. (Picture source: Naval Group)

Greece had signed in 2021 a contract worth around 3 billion euros for three FDIs, which included three years of logistical support as well as the supply of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and MU-90 torpedoes. An option for a fourth unit had been included, and as early as September 2024, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced his intention to activate it. The approval came during the Government Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense, chaired by Prime Minister Mitsotakis. The related draft law has been prepared and is due to be submitted to Parliament. The new frigate will bear the name HS Themistocles and carry the hull number F-600.

The schedule aligns with the gradual entry into service of the first three vessels. The first, HS Kimon, is preparing for sea trials ahead of its expected delivery at the end of the year to the Salamis Naval Base. The second, HS Nearchos, has recently been launched at Lorient, while the third, HS Formion, is currently under assembly. The final signature for the Themistocles is expected to coincide with the official handover of the Kimon.

From a technical perspective, the Greek FDIs differ from their French counterparts by carrying heavier armament. They will be equipped with 32 Aster 30 B1 surface-to-air missiles instead of 16, two triple MU-90 torpedo launchers instead of a twin system, a short-range RAM air defense system, as well as decoys and jamming systems against missiles and torpedoes. The ships will also carry two MM40 Block 3C Exocet launchers, a 76 mm main gun, two remotely operated 20 mm cannons, the Seafire 500 radar, and Kingklip Mk II and CAPTAS 4 sonars.

The Themistocles will also receive advanced systems, including Sylver A70 launchers enabling the integration of MdCN naval cruise missiles. Nikos Dendias also indicated that this frigate would eventually be able to employ ballistic missiles developed under the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) program, launched in 2024 by France, Poland, Italy, and Germany, and later joined by the United Kingdom and Sweden. The other three Greek FDIs are also expected to be upgraded to integrate this capability.

The cost of this fourth vessel is expected to be under 800 million euros, according to Kathimeriní. The agreement provides for around 200 million euros in industrial returns for Greek defense companies, equivalent to about 25 percent of the contract’s value. This industrial dimension reflects Athens’ intention to strengthen its domestic capabilities while consolidating its strategic partnership with Paris.

Beyond the naval component, Athens is also pursuing the modernization of its air fleet. The government is reviewing a new maintenance and support contract for the 24 Rafale aircraft acquired from Dassault Aviation, estimated at 580 million euros over four years. The objective is to sustain an availability rate above 75 percent through spare parts and support services. The Hellenic Air Force staff is also considering the acquisition of six to eight additional Rafales to gradually phase out the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2, although the Prime Minister had expressed reservations about this option at the end of 2024.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces, with a strong focus on multilateral cooperation and geopolitics.