“Compared to the defence and intervention frigates ordered by Greece, the ones destined for the French navy will be less armed, at a time when there is constant talk of “high-intensity” combat and tougher naval operations.” This was noted in an article in the French defence systems specialist Zone Militaire magazine.

It is underlined that the Greek frigates will be capable of deploying eight Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles, 32 Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm OTO MELARA, a RAM system and two 20mm remote-controlled guns, and will also be equipped with two triple torpedo launchers.

The publication also reported that France’s Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Nicolas Vosour, in a hearing in the French Senate on October 23, admitted that “the frigates (of France) for defence and intervention are less armed than those France sold to the Greeks”, while expressing hope that this situation would be corrected in the coming years.