It wasn’t only Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, who recognized the importance of naval power in achieving global dominance. Similarly, the staff at Greece’s Pentagon is reportedly aware of this necessity, as reflected in their new armament program for the Armed Forces. This initiative plans for a fleet of 16 surface vessels by 2035, aimed at countering the “Blue Homeland” concept.
Considering Turkey’s revisionist approach and its continuous reiteration of the “Blue Homeland” strategy—alongside the claims related to the Turkish-Libyan memorandum—the “existing threat” highlighted by National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias largely stems from maritime sources. The impending Greek fleet is designed to effectively mitigate this threat, with its formation expected by the end of the next decade, positioning Greece among the top naval powers in the Mediterranean by 2035.
The Hellenic Navy’s plans encompass a range of powerful strike units, including frigates, corvettes, Fast Attack Craft Missiles (FACM), as well as coastal patrol boats, new submarines, and smaller support vessels. An extensive upgrade program and the introduction of unmanned systems will create a formidable presence at sea.
All Shipyards Involved
At a recent Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) meeting, approval was granted for the acquisition of a fourth FDI (Belharra) frigate, intended to be equipped with strategic weapons (SCALP Naval). Reports indicate that consensus has been reached among the countries involved in its construction. The goal is for three of the four FDI frigates to carry these advanced armaments, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy. Official consultations on the acquisition cost of the new frigate are underway to allow for potential cost reductions for Greece.
The acquisition of the fourth Belharra is only the beginning: 15 additional strategic vessels are set to join the Hellenic Navy alongside the FDI frigates, while the upgrade of MEKO-200HN frigates is expected to commence this year, involving Greek shipyards in the process. The Pentagon is committed to maintaining a 25% Greek participation in the new armament initiative, with objectives set for work to be distributed across the country’s four shipyards (Elefsina, Salamina, Skaramagas, and Chalkida).
The Eurocorvette Initiative Gains Momentum
In addition to the four MEKO frigates, two second-hand Italian Bergamini-class frigates are anticipated to enhance the new fleet. According to the National Defense Minister, these frigates are just the beginning of the journey towards the next-generation frigate, dubbed the Constellation, which Greece aims to develop in collaboration with the United States.
The acquisition of FREMM frigates, which will underpin the Constellation project, may extend beyond the two Italian frigates, as Hellenic Navy officials are actively seeking additional ships in good condition from neighboring nations. Furthermore, the gradual replacement of existing fleet units will lead to the reevaluation and potential redistribution of several S-class frigates, with at least four remaining operational at the conclusion of the program.
Meanwhile, discussions regarding Greece’s involvement in the Eurocorvette program continue, gaining traction amid swift geopolitical changes and landmark European Union decisions. This program (MMPC) could play a pivotal role in European defense, potentially drawing funds from the €800 million “ReArm Europe” initiative.
Additionally, the 12-year Long-Term Defense Equipment Planning (MΒΑΕ) of the Armed Forces outlines plans for new submarines, with a focus on acquiring four new units and modernizing existing ones. The plan also includes the acquisition of five coastal patrol boats and the use of American Protector and Island-class vessels. The Hellenic Navy’s capabilities are set to be bolstered by new Romeo anti-submarine helicopters, with three already delivered and four more soon to be added.
A modernization program for FACMs (Missile Boats) is also on the horizon, coupled with the procurement of new vessels. The Hellenic Navy is exploring bilateral cooperation efforts to optimize resource usage. This includes a recent visit by Vice Admiral Dimitrios Katara, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, to Egypt, aimed at securing state-owned fuel for Greek frigates. This initiative has already resulted in savings of €80,000 by eliminating intermediaries during the last refueling of the frigate “Hydra” as part of its participation in the “Aspides” program.
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