Overview

• Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said the frigate will be named Thémistocle and will have increased capabilities.
• Legislation for the acquisition was prepared for submission to parliament on Wednesday following a meeting of the government’s top security council.
• The vessel will be the fourth FDI Belharra-class ship from France’s Naval Group under a 2021 defense pact that also covered 24 Rafale jets.
• Officials did not disclose the price of the additional frigate, which follows April’s agreement for 16 MBDA Exocet anti-ship missiles.
• The move is part of a broader €25 billion program through 2036 to bolster Greece’s deterrence in the Eastern Mediterranean where tensions with Turkey persist.