The Greek flag has been raised aboard the Hellenic Navy’s second FDI Belharra-class frigate, Nearchos, during a ceremony at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, marking another major milestone in Greece’s naval modernisation programme.
The ceremony was attended by Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, senior military officials and representatives of the French defence industry. It formally marks the frigate’s entry into the Hellenic Navy, following the commissioning of the first Belharra-class vessel, Kimon.
Nearchos is expected to arrive at the Salamis Naval Base in Greece in early December, after completing crew training and familiarisation with its advanced systems.
Read more: Greece Raises Flag on Second Belharra Frigate in France
Speaking at the ceremony, Dendias highlighted the strategic importance of Greek-French defence cooperation, describing the frigate programme as a significant contribution to strengthening Europe’s collective defence capabilities.
“Greece and France are called upon to build defence capabilities within our European family,” Dendias said, following two days of discussions with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin.
Dendias praises Belharra’s advanced capabilities
The Greek Defence Minister described Nearchos as an exceptionally capable warship, highlighting the upgraded Standard 2++ configuration pursued by Athens as part of its long-term naval modernisation strategy.
“This is a platform with impressive capabilities which, in the Standard 2++ configuration we have pursued, will achieve our objective by 2030,” he said.
Dendias went further, declaring: “I would like to state clearly, and with full awareness of the weight of these words, that this is the best ship in its class on the planet.”
He also welcomed Sweden’s selection of the same FDI frigate platform, describing the decision as an important development for European defence cooperation.
His discussions with Vautrin focused on bilateral defence relations, European security, industrial partnerships and the need to strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
Greek industry plays a role in construction
Dendias also emphasised the growing participation of Greek companies in the construction of the Belharra frigates.
He noted that Greek industry is already manufacturing components for the vessels, with further opportunities expected as the programme expands following Greece’s decision to acquire a fourth frigate.
“A part of the frigate you see behind us has Greek hands and a Greek soul behind it,” he said.
The programme is intended not only to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy but also to expand Greece’s domestic defence industrial base and technological expertise.
Dendias also acknowledged the presence of former French President François Hollande, praising his contribution to the development of Greek-French defence relations and recalling their cooperation surrounding the bilateral defence agreement.
A symbolic ceremony for the Hellenic Navy
The flag-raising ceremony at the Naval Group shipyards included the formal naming of the frigate, the raising of the Greek flag and the playing of the Greek national anthem.
One of the most significant moments involved the crew formally boarding the vessel.
Under naval protocol, officers and sailors board in succession, beginning with the most junior crew member, while the commanding officer boards last.
The ceremony followed an extensive training programme conducted in cooperation with the French manufacturer, preparing the Greek crew to operate the frigate’s sophisticated systems.
Training has covered the vessel’s bridge, combat information centre, engine room and weapons control stations, with personnel assigned specific responsibilities across the ship.
Four Belharra frigates to strengthen Greece’s naval power
Nearchos is the second of four FDI Belharra-class frigates being acquired by Greece.
The first vessel, Kimon, has already entered service, while the third frigate, Formion, and fourth vessel, Themistocles, are scheduled to follow as the programme progresses.
The Belharra frigates represent a significant upgrade to Greece’s maritime defence capabilities, incorporating advanced radar technology, air defence systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and sophisticated combat management systems.
The acquisition forms a central pillar of the strategic defence partnership between Athens and Paris, which has expanded considerably in recent years.
For Greece, the arrival of Nearchos will mark another important step in strengthening the Hellenic Navy’s ability to protect the country’s maritime interests and contribute to security across the eastern Mediterranean.
Dendias said he was looking forward to welcoming the frigate to Greece in early December, when it is expected to arrive at Salamis Naval Base.
