The launching ceremony for the frigate “Nearchos,” the second of the three FDI frigates (known as Belh@rra), acquired by the Hellenic Navy, is currently underway. The event took place at the Naval Group facilities in Lorient, France, attended by Greece’s Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias.

During the event, the Defense Minister announced that Greece is starting procedures to acquire a fourth frigate of the same type. He also revealed that Greece will proceed with the order of strategic Scalp missiles.

During his speech, the Defense Minister stated: “I am pleased to announce today Greece’s intention to begin negotiations to acquire an additional frigate, the fourth of the same type. This will be added to the KIMON, NEARCHOS, and FORMION, further strengthening our Navy,” said Dendias.

Watch Live [#LIVE] Launch of the 2nd Hellenic FDI, HS Nearchos

He continued, saying, “These frigates will have the capability to carry the SCALP NAVAL missile, perhaps the most advanced cruise missile, capable of striking strategic targets at long distances (over 1,000 km) with great precision. This addition is part of the 12-year Long-Term Defense Equipment Program, accompanied by a 20-year horizon, which was presented to the Prime Minister, will be informed to Parliament, and adopted by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA). This will allow our country to respond to any challenge that may arise.”

Άφιξη στην Αεροπορική Βάση της Lann-Bihoué στη Γαλλία, όπου πραγματοποιήθηκε επίσημη υποδοχή από τις γαλλικές αρχές, πριν από τη μετάβαση στα Ναυπηγεία της @navalgroup στη Lorient, για την τελετή καθέλκυσης της νέας Φρεγάτας FDI ΗΝ «Νέαρχος». #Belharra pic.twitter.com/jKz7zyWJhX

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) September 19, 2024

He also emphasized, “With the shipbuilding program of the 4 BELHARA frigates, the modernization of the MEKO frigates, the Roussen-class missile boats, and our submarines, which will soon begin implementation in Greece. With the acquisition of four ISLAND patrol vessels, which will soon join our fleet. With our future participation in the design and subsequent construction of the new CONSTELLATION-class frigate. With our involvement in the European Corvette program. With the creation of an invincible missile defense wall in the Aegean. And with the promotion of several smaller but highly operationally valuable programs. Additionally, with the construction of new submarines by the end of the decade, always within the country’s fiscal limits, we are making the necessary modernization and operational upgrade steps for our Navy and Armed Forces.”

“I have repeatedly stated that Greece’s goal is no longer just to buy weapons off the shelf, but to participate significantly in the co-production of the defense systems it procures. The participation of the Greek defense industry in the construction of these frigates is of high importance to us. Twenty-five contracts with Greek companies have already been signed. Our first goal for this program is to increase Greek participation from 12% to 15%,” Dendias pointed out.

Dendias was accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis, and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Katarras.

In a related post, Nikos Dendias stated: “Arrival at Lann-Bihoué Air Base in France, where I was officially welcomed by the French authorities, before proceeding to the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient for the launching ceremony of the new Hellenic FDI frigate ‘Nearchos.'”

This is the second of the three FDI HN frigates (Kimon, Nearchos, and Formion), known as “Belharra,” for the Hellenic Navy, which will be integrated into the Greek fleet in the coming years.

The frigate “Nearchos” has a displacement of 4,500 tons, is approximately 122 meters long, with a maximum speed of 27 knots, a crew of 120, and incorporates advanced digital technologies.

Among these, it includes the PSIM (Panoramic Sensor Intelligence Module), where almost all of the warship’s sensor systems are integrated, the advanced anti-submarine warfare sonar, type CAPTAS-4, and the fully digital Sea Fire radar.

Meanwhile, the crew of the first frigate “Kimon” has begun intensive training to learn and familiarize themselves with the new systems, as this ship is unlike anything the Hellenic Navy has previously experienced with frigates. The goal of the Navy’s command is to promote the order of a fourth frigate of the “Kimon” class, which is expected to add significant value to the country’s naval power.

Not far from Lorient, in Toulon, the electronic warfare system (ECM) for the Belh@rra frigates is being completed. This system is considered the most advanced in countering asymmetric threats, which the Hellenic Armed Forces have increasingly faced, as recently demonstrated by the crisis in the Red Sea.