Turkish media have reacted with concern to the strengthening of the Greek Navy, reporting that Greece is acquiring frigates capable of carrying missiles with a range of 1,000 kilometres.
According to the Turkish network A Haber, of the Belharra frigates ordered from France, the first delivered was Kimon. A flag-raising ceremony has now also taken place for the Nearchos frigate. The report noted that this vessel can carry SCALP Naval cruise missiles, manufactured by France’s Naval Group, with a 1,000km range. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias attended the ceremony in Lorient, France.
A Haber claimed that by equipping its navy with these frigates, Greece aims to send a message to Turkey and strengthen its negotiating position. It also reported that an agreement was signed with France on the same day to upgrade Greece’s four frigates to Standard 4+ level.
The Turkish channel argued that Athens is seeking to close the gap with Turkey in naval power. The report was cited by SKAI’s Istanbul correspondent Manolis Kostidis.
