Naval Group delivers second frigate to Greece

Naval Group, a French defense company, delivered the frigate Nearchos to the Greek navy during a ceremony in Lorient, Brittany. The event was attended by Greece’s defense minister, Nikos Dendias, and France’s armed forces minister, Catherine Vautrin.

Greece’s military modernization continues

This delivery follows the October 2023 handover of the frigate Kimon, with a third unit, Formion, expected by year’s end. Greece has ordered three Belharra-class frigates, the export version of France’s FDI frigates, and 24 Rafale fighter jets in recent years.

Defense partnership between France and Greece

The delivery of Nearchos is part of a broader defense cooperation between France and Greece, formalized in 2021. Greece has been upgrading its military after a decade of financial crisis, which limited defense spending, and due to ongoing tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Advanced capabilities of FDI frigates

The FDI frigates are described as highly advanced, capable of defending against aircraft, tracking submarines, and countering threats like drones and fast attack boats. Their radar system offers a full 360° view, allowing quicker responses to fast-moving targets.

Naval Group expands global frigate contracts

Sweden, a NATO member since 2024, has ordered four frigates from Naval Group for 4.3 billion euros, with the first expected in 2030. In Denmark, Naval Group is competing with British firm Babcock for a contract to build four future frigates.