The Greek flag will be raised aboard the second FDI (Belharra-class) frigate, HS Nearchos, in the presence of Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and the military leadership of the Greek Armed Forces.

The ceremony, which marks the vessel’s official incorporation into the Hellenic Navy (HN), will take place at midday today, Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Naval Group shipyards in the French city of Lorient.

It is the second modern frigate of this class, following the incorporation of the first FDI frigate, HS Kimon, into the Hellenic Navy fleet. The third FDI frigate, HS Formion, is expected to follow before the end of the year, with the fourth, HS Themistocles, to come afterward.

Before the Greek flag-raising ceremony aboard the vessel, Mr. Dendias will meet with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin.

The bilateral meeting will focus on defence cooperation between Greece and France, regional and European security issues, and prospects for further deepening the strategic relationship between the two countries.

More specifically, particular emphasis will be placed on implementing existing agreements, cooperation in the defence industry and coordinating the two countries’ responses to contemporary security challenges.

Joint statements to the press will follow.