Greece to negotiate with France to bolster navy
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greece will begin negotiations with France to strengthen its navy as it recovers from the decade-long debt crisis says the country’s defence minister.
According to Reuters, Greece is looking to buy a fourth Belharra frigate stemming from an agreement in 2021 to get three new frigates for three billion euros, with an option for more.
The country aims to replace its old units that have operated for more than 30 years in its navy.
“I am pleased to announce today Greece’s intention to start negotiations to acquire one more frigate, the fourth of the same type,” Nikos Dendias said on Thursday at Lorian shipyards in France.
Dendias was speaking at a launch ceremony for the second French frigate, but did not give too much more detail on the plans.
He added that three of the four Belharra will be able to carry “Scalp Naval” cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,000 km.
This comes as Athens has drawn up a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan that will also see them acquire up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the United States and Rafale jets from France.
It was also report that Greece plan to buy Switchblade drones from the US which Dendias said “will contribute to the creation of a rocket wall in the Aegean.”
Greece’s defence issues include disagreements with Turkey over where continental shelves start and end, energy resources, flights over the Aegean, and the division of Cyprus.
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