By Anthony Marcus for Eurasia Business News, June 7, 2025. Article no. 1541.
During his recent visits to France and Brussels, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias skillfully negotiated concessions from Paris concerning Greece’s future naval acquisitions, particularly the acquisition of a fourth FDI Belharra-class frigate from France’s Naval Group.
The contract for this fourth frigate, expected to be signed within 2025 and cost under €1 billion, will supplement the original order of three frigates, with delivery anticipated by 2028. Dendias secured industrial returns equal to 25% of the frigate’s value, ensuring significant reinvestment into the Greek defense industry through subcontracts, support services, and potential co-development projects.
The Greek shipbuilding industry, notably Salamis Shipyards, is deeply involved in the program, having manufactured blocks for the three frigates and participating in Naval Group’s supply chain with around 70 Greek companies engaged. However, Greek industry faces challenges such as the lack of a government-backed refundment guarantee system, which could hinder its competitiveness internationally despite offering quality and cost advantages.
The choice of industrial partners is politically sensitive, as one of the key Greek industrial players involved in the program appears closely linked to Dendias’ political party, raising questions about the influence of political affiliations in defense procurement decisions.
Strategically, the acquisitions are part of Greece’s broader naval modernization plan aimed at countering regional tensions, particularly with Turkey, and reinforcing NATO deterrence in the Eastern Mediterranean. The new frigates will be more heavily armed than their French counterparts and equipped with advanced missile systems, including Sylver A70 vertical launchers capable of deploying long-range cruise missiles, enhancing Greece’s maritime defense capabilities.
Dendias’ diplomatic efforts have secured favorable terms for Greece’s naval expansion, with significant industrial participation for Greek companies, while the selection of partners reflects intertwined political and strategic considerations.
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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1541.
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