{"id":23647,"date":"2026-10-15T18:39:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T18:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/15\/greece-sets-flag-raising-date-for-third-belharra-frigate-formion-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T18:39:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T18:39:41","slug":"greece-sets-flag-raising-date-for-third-belharra-frigate-formion-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/15\/greece-sets-flag-raising-date-for-third-belharra-frigate-formion-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Greece Sets Flag-Raising Date for Third Belharra Frigate Formion \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Greece\u2019s third Belharra-class frigate, Formion<\/em>, is scheduled to fly the Hellenic flag on 17 December at Naval Group\u2019s shipyard in Lorient, France, marking another milestone in the Hellenic Navy\u2019s modernisation programme.<\/p>\n

\"Greece\u2019s<\/source><\/picture>
Greek frigate Formion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following the ceremony, Formion<\/em> will remain in France for several months of systems integration work, with its arrival in Greece expected in spring 2027.<\/p>\n

The frigate is set to feature the Standard 2+ configuration<\/strong>, incorporating upgraded electronics, software and improved integration between its sensors and weapons systems.<\/p>\n

The development follows the commissioning of Kimon<\/em>, the first of Greece\u2019s three initially contracted Belharra frigates, into Hellenic Navy service. The second vessel, Nearchos<\/em> (F-602), is scheduled to follow on 30 October.<\/p>\n

The three frigates form part of Greece\u2019s broader effort to strengthen its naval capabilities amid growing strategic challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.<\/p>\n

Greek Industry Plays a Role in Frigate Construction<\/h2>\n

Greek shipbuilding is also contributing to the programme through the involvement of Salamis Shipyards, which has worked with Naval Group since 2022.<\/p>\n

The Greek company manufactures pre-outfitted hull sections for FDI frigates built for both the Hellenic Navy and the French Navy, supporting the development of domestic industrial expertise through the international programme.<\/p>\n

Sections destined for Formion<\/em> and the fourth Greek frigate, Themistoklis<\/em>, were delivered in February 2024.<\/p>\n

The partnership highlights the role of Greek industry in the construction of the next generation of Hellenic Navy warships, while strengthening industrial cooperation between Greece and France.<\/p>\n

Once delivered, Formion<\/em> will join Greece\u2019s expanding fleet of advanced frigates, designed to enhance the country\u2019s air defence, anti-submarine warfare and surface combat capabilities.<\/p>\n

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