Greek defense minister announces ambitious naval armament, modernization program

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced an ambitious armament and modernization program on Thursday for the navy.

Greece will begin negotiations for the procurement of a fourth FDI-type frigate, in addition to the three built by France's Naval Group, he said at the launching ceremony of the Nearchos, the second frigate Greece ordered, in the northwestern French city of Laurient.

Some of the frigates will be equipped with the navy’s version of the Scalp-type long range cruise missiles, in addition to MM-40 Exocet anti-ship and Aster-30 air-defense missiles.

Greece will also initiate a program for ships in the naval inventory, including MEKO-type frigates, Rasmussen-type fast attack missile boats and submarines, he added.

Moreover, the country will purchase four Island-class patrol boats, which will be soon operational, and will work to take part in the US Navy’s Constellation and European corvette consortium, said Dendias.