The Greek flag has been raised aboard the Hellenic Navy\u2019s second FDI Belharra-class frigate, Nearchos<\/em>, during a ceremony at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, marking another major milestone in Greece\u2019s naval modernisation programme.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s entry into the Hellenic Navy, following the commissioning of the first Belharra-class vessel, Kimon<\/em>.<\/p>\n Nearchos<\/em> is expected to arrive at the Salamis Naval Base in Greece in early December, after completing crew training and familiarisation with its advanced systems.<\/p>\n Read more: Greece Raises Flag on Second Belharra Frigate in France<\/p>\n 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\u2019s collective defence capabilities.<\/p>\n \u201cGreece and France are called upon to build defence capabilities within our European family,\u201d Dendias said, following two days of discussions with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin.<\/p>\n The Greek Defence Minister described Nearchos<\/em> as an exceptionally capable warship, highlighting the upgraded Standard 2++ configuration pursued by Athens as part of its long-term naval modernisation strategy.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a platform with impressive capabilities which, in the Standard 2++ configuration we have pursued, will achieve our objective by 2030,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Dendias went further, declaring: \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n He also welcomed Sweden\u2019s selection of the same FDI frigate platform, describing the decision as an important development for European defence cooperation.<\/p>\n His discussions with Vautrin focused on bilateral defence relations, European security, industrial partnerships and the need to strengthen Europe\u2019s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.<\/p>\n Dendias also emphasised the growing participation of Greek companies in the construction of the Belharra frigates.<\/p>\n He noted that Greek industry is already manufacturing components for the vessels, with further opportunities expected as the programme expands following Greece\u2019s decision to acquire a fourth frigate.<\/p>\n \u201cA part of the frigate you see behind us has Greek hands and a Greek soul behind it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The programme is intended not only to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy but also to expand Greece\u2019s domestic defence industrial base and technological expertise.<\/p>\n Dendias also acknowledged the presence of former French President Fran\u00e7ois Hollande, praising his contribution to the development of Greek-French defence relations and recalling their cooperation surrounding the bilateral defence agreement.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n One of the most significant moments involved the crew formally boarding the vessel.<\/p>\n Under naval protocol, officers and sailors board in succession, beginning with the most junior crew member, while the commanding officer boards last.<\/p>\n The ceremony followed an extensive training programme conducted in cooperation with the French manufacturer, preparing the Greek crew to operate the frigate\u2019s sophisticated systems.<\/p>\n Training has covered the vessel\u2019s bridge, combat information centre, engine room and weapons control stations, with personnel assigned specific responsibilities across the ship.<\/p>\n Nearchos<\/em> is the second of four FDI Belharra-class frigates being acquired by Greece.<\/p>\n The first vessel, Kimon<\/em>, has already entered service, while the third frigate, Formion<\/em>, and fourth vessel, Themistocles<\/em>, are scheduled to follow as the programme progresses.<\/p>\n The Belharra frigates represent a significant upgrade to Greece\u2019s maritime defence capabilities, incorporating advanced radar technology, air defence systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and sophisticated combat management systems.<\/p>\n The acquisition forms a central pillar of the strategic defence partnership between Athens and Paris, which has expanded considerably in recent years.<\/p>\n For Greece, the arrival of Nearchos<\/em> will mark another important step in strengthening the Hellenic Navy\u2019s ability to protect the country\u2019s maritime interests and contribute to security across the eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/173835-1024x577.webp)
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<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\nDendias praises Belharra\u2019s advanced capabilities<\/h2>\n
Greek industry plays a role in construction<\/h2>\n
A symbolic ceremony for the Hellenic Navy<\/h2>\n
Four Belharra frigates to strengthen Greece\u2019s naval power<\/h2>\n