Naval Group launches second Greek FDI frigate Nearchos in Lorient France.

According to information published by the Hellenic MoD on September 19, 2024, Naval Group has officially launched the second of Greece’s new frigates, Nearchos, at its shipyard in Lorient, France. This marks a key milestone in Greece's naval modernization efforts, with the Nearchos joining the first frigate, Kimon, which was launched in 2023. The Nearchos is part of the Kimon-class, a variant of the French FDI frigate designed specifically for the Hellenic Navy.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

2nd Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigate Nearchos. (Picture source: Naval Group)

The Nearchos frigate has a displacement of 4,460 tons and a length of 122 meters, with a beam of 17.7 meters. Its propulsion system consists of a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) arrangement, delivering 32,000 kW of power, allowing the ship to reach speeds of 27 knots.

The frigate has a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots and can stay operational for up to 45 days. It carries a main crew of 110 personnel, with an additional complement of around 15 aircrew.

It features advanced capabilities for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, and is equipped with cutting-edge systems such as the Sea Fire radar and CAPTAS-4 sonar.

The frigate is built for versatility in multi-domain operations, including special forces missions and electronic warfare. Key weapons include Exocet MM40 B3C missiles and Aster air defense missiles, making the ship a formidable presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greece-France relations

The naval relationship between Greece and France has grown significantly in recent years, particularly through defense agreements that reflect both nations' strategic priorities. A key development was the 2021 defense pact, which emphasized mutual security cooperation and joint defense efforts.

This agreement included Greece's procurement of advanced French-made frigates and fighter jets, enhancing its naval and air defense capabilities. Greece ordered three Belharra-class frigates, with an option for a fourth, from France's Naval Group. These frigates, equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, are expected to bolster Greece's naval presence by 2026.

This defense partnership is seen as part of broader European efforts to assert strategic autonomy, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, where tensions with Turkey have been a recurring issue. France has supported Greece in maritime disputes, aligning itself with Athens in countering perceived Turkish aggression. Moreover, the agreement includes a mutual defense clause, ensuring that both nations will assist each other in the event of external threats.

Beyond defense hardware, the partnership also aims to deepen cooperation in other areas, such as joint crisis management in regions like the Balkans and the Sahel. This relationship not only strengthens Greece's naval capabilities but also enhances France's influence in the Mediterranean.