French shipbuilder Naval Group, which is at the helm of the French team including MBDA and Thales, has submitted a new offer for the modernization of the surface fleet of the Hellenic Navy.
France’s Naval Group is competing against Lockheed Martin, Dutch Damen, UK’s Babcock, and Spanish Navantia for the program to develop a new generation of frigates for the Hellenic Navy.
The French team’s offer includes four Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) frigates, 3 built in Greece and the 1st in service by 2025, along with a gap filler solution of 2 frigates available in early 2022. The offer also includes modernization of the MEKO frigates currently in service with the Hellenic Navy, as well as a Hellenic industry participation (HIP) program.
With the FDI frigates equipped with the Sea Fire radar and missiles systems respectively provided by Thales and MBDA, the solution for the MEKO modernization and the gap filler, the French Team will ensure that HN capabilities are enhanced to meet immediate and future needs.
Fitted with up to 32 ASTER missiles or with a combination of ASTER and MICA NG missiles, 21 RAM, 8 Exocet MM 40 B 3, MU 90 lightweight torpedoes and 76 mm gun, the FDI will offer a potent solution for the Hellenic Navy.
Construction of the first frigate in France will ensure operation by Greece in the shortest timeframe and secure the transfer of technology to allow construction of 3 frigates in Greece.
The gap filler solution proposes the delivery of two anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) FREMM frigates, which are in service with the French Navy. The ships would be delivered to Greece by 2022.
“Naval Group’s Hellenic Industrial Participation plan is shaped to provide “made in Greece” warships with same quality and performances as the FDI frigates under construction in France for the French Navy, perfectly adapted to the Hellenic Navy’s operational needs and fully interoperable with French and NATO navies,” Naval Group said.
