The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, announced yesterday the initiation of the procedure for the acquisition of the 4th Greek frigate FDI Belharra from the shipyards of Group Naval during the official launching ceremony of the 2nd FDI, F-602 “Nearchos.”

Nikos Dendias not only attended the official launch ceremony of the 2nd FDI, F-602 “Nearchos” (which you can watch at the end), but also inspected the 1st, F-601 “Kimon,” which is almost complete, and soon it is expected to begin trials, first in the bay and then at sea.

The political and military leadership of the Ministry of National Defence made the decision to purchase one more FDI with the aim of further strengthening the deterrent capabilities of the Greek fleet.

Since the signing of the agreement for the acquisition of the first three FDI frigates in March 2021, Athens has retained the right to order one more Belharra at the same price as the previous ones, i.e., almost 1 billion euros, despite the fact that the current cost of the specific ships is significantly larger. 

The deadline was formally set to expire in June 2023, but close relations between Athens and Paris and the Hellenic Navy’s stated intention to acquire the 4th FDI allowed the option to be activated almost a year later.

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Besides, during the naming ceremony of the first three (Kimon, Nearchos, and Phormion), the leadership, for the sake of humor, had mentioned that the 4th would be called “Themistocles.”  The cutting of the first sheet metal of the F-604 “Themistocles” is scheduled to take place in the coming months, according to company sources, although it is not yet clear where it will be on the production line and when it will be delivered to the Hellenic Navy.

According to information, the frigates “Nearchos,” “Formion,” and the 4th FDI will be equipped with one of the most advanced cruise missiles, the Scalp Naval, which can hit targets at long distances—more than 1,000 km accurately. 

According to company sources, the deployment of Scalp Naval will mean fewer Aster 30s per ship, but they will enhance the strategic strike capability.

For the above programs, the Parliament will be informed within the next period, and the ratification of the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) will be requested. However, apart from the FDI frigates, the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence is going to launch the procedures for three more important programs: the modernization of MEKO frigates, Roussen fast-attack missile vessels, and submarines. 

At the same time, Athens intends to join the construction program of the US “Constellation” class frigates.

Also read: FDI HN | The PSIM is ready for the second Greek frigate “NEARCHOS”

The frigate “Nearchos” has a displacement of 4,500 tons, a length of approximately 122 meters, a maximum speed of 27 knots, a crew of 120 people, and incorporates advanced digital technologies.

These include, among others, the integrated sensor network mast PSIM (Panoramic Sensor Intelligence Module), where almost all of the warship’s sensor systems are gathered, the advanced anti-submarine warfare sonar, type CAPTAS-4, and the fully digital Sea Fire radar.

It is worth noting that the frigate can carry a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle. Highly digitized, it is the first warship to have cyber protection built in by design, Naval Group points out.

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