The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, responded to a question of parliamentary control submitted by the Members of Parliament of the official opposition on the “Participation of the Hellenic Defence Industry in the construction of the new frigates FDI HN – Belharra”.

The Minister responded by initially saying that twenty-three (23) contracts with Greek companies have been signed with the contracting company NAVAL GROUP, while an additional ten (10) contracts with Greek companies are to be signed in the 1st quarter of 2023.

In addition, as far as MBDA is concerned, to date one (1) contract has been concluded with a Greek company, while the signing of an additional three (3) contracts with Greek companies is planned for the beginning of 2023. Regarding the involved company THALES, four (4) contracts have been signed with Greek companies to date.

In any case, all foreign companies involved are positive, so that efforts are made to further deepen their relations with the domestic agencies in order to achieve new collaborations and the greater participation of the Hellenic Defence Industry in the FDI HN frigate shipbuilding program.

Therefore, even more positive results are expected from the beginning of the year, but also throughout the implementation of the relevant armament programs. It is pointed out that no financial data is provided on the amount of signed commercial contracts/agreements by the companies involved.

Furthermore, regarding the supply of RAFALE-type fighter aircraft, during the period of negotiations for the additional supply of six (6) new fighters of the same type, the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) requested from the manufacturing companies information on the areas of cooperation with HDI, in the context of ensuring of the security of supply of the program, as well as on the examination of a prospective plan for the participation of HDI in the program, and in particular the possibility of including HDI in the wider circle of sub-manufacturers of their systems, by disclosing specific information.

Subsequently, in response to the request of GDDIA, the companies made specific proposals in writing in the context of ensuring the security of supply and the participation of HDI and committed to the provision of programs amounting to €30,000,000, for the benefit of the Hellenic Air Force which will incur no costs. Talks with the companies are currently underway so as to finalize the programs in question.

Also read: Naval Group | Signing of contracts with 10 Greek companies for the FDI HN program