Greece to Acquire Fourth Belharra Frigate

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu at the Maximos Mansion in Athens during the latter’s visit. Earlier, Lecornu met with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, where a contract for the purchase of 16 Exocet missiles was signed. The two ministers visited the French frigate Alsace in Piraeus and are expected to visit the Salamina Shipyards.

Notably, Dendias told reporters he will propose the acquisition of a fourth Belharra frigate to the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), with Lecornu expressing a “shared desire to move forward” with the proposal.

During the meeting with the Prime Minister, discussions focused on Greece-France defense cooperation and prospects for further strengthening it, as well as recent developments in European defense and the European defense industry, following the European Commission’s presentation of the ReArm Europe program.

They exchanged views on enhancing European collective defense and strategic autonomy, as well as regional and international developments.

Mitsotakis emphasized that EU defense cooperation with third countries must align with the EU’s strategic interests and foreign and defense policy decisions. He stressed that the security interests of all EU member states must be considered, in line with European Council decisions.

At the start of the meeting, Mitsotakis and Lecornu had the following exchange:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “Mr. Minister, I warmly welcome you to Athens. France is one of Greece’s closest partners. In defense and security, we have established a vital strategic partnership that continues to deepen.

I understand you had a productive discussion with Minister Dendias. Your visit is significant, particularly as defense cooperation is a top priority on the European Union’s agenda.

Our two countries believe the ReArm initiative provides a solid foundation for achieving the EU’s strategic autonomy—a goal we have pursued together with President Macron from the outset. The aim is to enhance our Union’s readiness and defense industry capabilities, reduce dependencies, and avoid perpetuating them.

Specifically, we must reduce reliance on countries acting against the EU’s strategic interests. We must also protect the national security and defense interests of all member states, without exception.

Dear Minister, thank you again for your visit.”

Sébastien Lecornu: “Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your hospitality. You always make time for me when I visit Athens.

Given the quality of cooperation—both professional and personal—that you maintain with President Macron, progress between our nations hardly requires ministers. That’s the least we can say.

We had a productive working meeting this morning with your Defense Minister, discussing operational matters and port calls. Thank you for Greece’s warm reception of our ships, in a country where our Navy makes frequent stops, including, of course, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort group.

We also took the opportunity to discuss the situation in Lebanon, the Balkans, the Black Sea, and security issues in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as strengthening our defense through various initiatives you’ve undertaken with other heads of state and government regarding the ReArm program.

To ensure continuity in the shipbuilding and maritime sector—where Greece is a leader and a privileged partner—thank you again, Mr. Prime Minister.”

Source: pagenews.gr