The prime minister emphasized that the equipment program to strengthen the Armed Forces, which he had announced personally, is being implemented. He also noted that the cost of the new purchase for the supply of a fourth frigate does not disturb our fiscal consistency.
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“As our country prepares to welcome the first Belharra frigate, and on the day that the second is launched at Naval Group shipyards in Lorient while the third is under construction, the procedures for the procurement of a fourth vessel of this type begin. Thus, the great program of strengthening the Armed Forces that I had personally announced from the beginning is being implemented.
The expense of the new market has been budgeted in a way that does not disrupt our fiscal consistency. It was, however, deemed necessary, since the defense of the homeland is a non-negotiable priority.
Greece is getting stronger”.
Belharra: Fourth frigate announced by Dendias – They will be equipped with “Scalp Naval” missiles – Watch video
The start of negotiations for the supply of a fourth frigate of the Belharra type, as well as a broad program of modernization of a series of ships of the Navy, was announced by the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, by the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, during the launching ceremony of the second frigate of this type, by NEARCHOS. KIMON has already been promoted and FORMION is following.
Specifically, Mr. Dendias announced that with the shipbuilding program of the 4 BELHARA frigates, with the modernization programs of the MEKO frigates, the ROUSSEN missiles, and also our submarines, which will immediately begin to be implemented in Greece, as well as with the acquisition of the four ISLAND patrol boats, which will soon join our fleet, as well as with the country’s future participation in the design and subsequent construction of the new CONSTELATION frigate, but also with our participation in the Eurocorvette program, a missile impregnable wall is being created surface in the Aegean.
It is recalled that NAVAL GROUP’s Lorient shipyards were visited in June by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who characterized Belharra as the most important upgrade of the navy in recent decades.
“We are strengthening our presence in the Eastern Mediterranean”
In particular, N. Dendias emphasized that the launching of the “NEARCHOS” frigate is yet another important milestone for our Navy and the Armed Forces of the country. Another step towards the implementation of the “2030” Agenda. It confirms the strong will and commitment of the Mitsotakis Government to strengthening the National Defense. It serves the goal and the firm commitment of the entire political system: The assurance of national sovereignty, security and the conditions of progress and prosperity of the Country and the Greek people.
As the Minister of Defense said, “we are strengthening our presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, protecting, at the same time, the borders and the interests of the European Union. Never questioning the legal rights of other countries in the region. Always respecting the rules of International Law and those provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. On the basis of protecting our common European values. For the Europe of peace, democracy, human rights and individual freedoms. Values, the defense of which we hope all countries in the region will adopt”.
He added: France’s relationship with Greece is long and close. It is based on shared values and goals, particularly in the field of Defense and Security. The Agreement on the Establishment of the Strategic Partnership for Defense and Security Cooperation, which I had the honor to sign on September 28, 2021, confirms this relationship.
As a result of this close cooperation between our countries, the “NEARCHOS” frigate is the second newly built naval platform of a multifaceted armament program. Which was founded during the Ministry of my dear friend Nikos Panagiotopoulos. The Program is now moving to the next phase. As amended, it has become part of the “2030” Agenda.
At this point, Mr. Dendias announced Greece’s intention to start negotiations with the aim of acquiring another frigate, the fourth of the same type. Which will come to be added to KIMONA, NEARCHOS and PHORMIONE. Thus strengthening our Navy even more, as he said.
The new advanced strategic weapons of the new frigates will also be a factor of power. NEARCHOS, like FORMION and the fourth frigate, incorporate technologies that provide new capabilities to their arsenal. These frigates will be able to carry the SCALP NAVAL missile. Perhaps the most advanced cruise missile, which can hit strategic targets at long distances (over 1000 km) and with great precision. This addition was included in the 12-year Long-Term Defense Equipment Planning, accompanied by a 20-year horizon, which was presented to the Prime Minister, will be informed by the BtE and will be adopted by the KYSEA. It will allow our country to respond to any challenge that may arise.
With the construction program of 4 BELHARA frigates. With the modernization programs of the MEKO frigates, the ROUSSEN missiles, but also our submarines, which will immediately begin to be implemented in Greece. With the acquisition of the four ISLAND patrol cars, which will soon join our fleet. With the country’s future participation in the design and subsequent construction of the new CONSTELATION frigate. With our participation in the Eurocorvetta program. By creating a missile impregnable surface wall in the Aegean. By promoting a series of smaller in size but large in business value programs. But also the construction of new submarines at the end of the decade and always within the country’s fiscal limits, we are taking the absolutely necessary steps to modernize and operationally upgrade our Navy and Armed Forces.
Concluding, Mr. Dendias emphasized again that Greece’s goal now is not to simply buy weapons off the shelf, but to participate with an increased percentage in the co-production of the defense systems it procures. The participation of the Greek defense industry in the construction of these frigates is a matter of high importance for us. 25 contracts have already been signed with Greek companies. And we set as the first goal in the specific program to increase the percentage of Greek participation from 12 to 15%.
Cooperation with French companies and especially the NAVAL GROUP is not opportunistic. Our intention is to develop into a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship, with the Greek Innovation Center as a vehicle that we recently established, with the aim of opening new horizons for our industrial development and our participation in global defense initiatives. In this context, the organization of the first Greece-France Innovation Symposium is being prepared.
Today’s launch is no ordinary ceremony. It confirms our commitment, as a country with a long maritime tradition, to safeguarding peace and stability. The “NEARCHOS” frigate strengthens our national deterrent power. It confirms our position as a reliable ally and a strong actor in the Eastern Mediterranean. I want to thank the officers of our Navy, Armed Forces and our partners from France for your work, your dedication and your professionalism. It is your contribution that makes this day a reality.
The characteristics of Belharra
The “Nearchos” frigate 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 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 full digital Sea Fire radar.
Each Belharra is equipped with a mast that brings together all airborne sensors, enabling permanent 360-degree surveillance. It will also carry up to 32 Aster-30 Block 1 long-range anti-aircraft missiles, the Sea Fire fixed-array AESA radar and the RAM missile point defense system.
At the same time, they will be well equipped for anti-submarine operations having one of the most capable variable depth sonar, the Captas-4C, while the Kingklip Mk2 will be installed on the ship’s keel. In addition, their potential use of MH-60R helicopters, together with MU-90 torpedoes and torpedo countermeasures, completes the equipment for anti-submarine missions despite the absence of electric propulsion. The Belharras will be equipped with a 76mm OTO Melara Multi-Feed gun and two remote-controlled 20mm Narwhal cannons.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Crew: 120 people
Displacement: 4,400 tons
Dimensions: 121×18 meters
Speed: >27 knots
Autonomy: 45 days
Business Availability: 3,500 hours at sea per year
Shed helicopter: 10 tons + 1 UAV
Promotion: CODAD (Combined Diesel And Diesel)
Electronic equipment: Setis type battle management system (Link-11/-16/-22), SEAFIRE 500 radar with a range of 500 km for aircraft/80+ km for ships, variable depth sonar (VDS) type CAPTAS 4 COMPACT, bow sonar type Kingklip Mk2
Armor: 32 ASTER 30, 21 RIM-116 RAM, 76mm OTO Melara STRALES gun, 8 x Exocet MM40 Block3c, 2 x 20mm remote-controlled guns, 324mm MU-90 torpedoes, MH-60R Romeo as organic helicopter
The characteristics of the NEARCHOS frigate
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 PSIM (Panoramic Sensor Intelligence Module), where almost all of the warship’s sensor systems are concentrated, the advanced anti-submarine warfare sonar, type CAPTAS-4 and the full digital Sea Fire radar. The F/C “KIMON” was launched in October 2023, followed by “NEARCHOS” and “FORMION” takes its turn. The three frigates will be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
In addition to the 4 BELHARA frigate building program, ongoing or imminent:
The MEKO frigate modernization programs
The ROUSSEN missile modernization programs
The submarine modernization programs of the PN, which will immediately begin to be implemented in Greece,
The acquisition of four ISLAND patrol cars, which will soon join our fleet.
The country’s future participation in the design and subsequent construction of the new CONSTELATION frigate.
Our participation in the Eurocorvetta program.
The creation of a missile impregnable surface wall in the Aegean (by the standards of the Israeli Iron Dome.
By promoting a series of smaller in size but large in business value programs.
With the construction of new submarines at the end of the decade
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