[InTimeNews/Naval Group]
The Hellenic Navy is set to receive its first FDI Belharra frigate from France by the end of 2025, according to French reports.
While the reasons for the nine-month delay remain undisclosed, military sources state that it’s better for any potential “teething troubles” to be addressed before the official handover. Sources told Kathimerini that once delivered, the frigate will require nearly a year before entering active service.
Meanwhile, the third Belharra frigate in Greece’s program is expected to arrive earlier, with optimistic estimates suggesting that by the end of 2026, the Hellenic Navy will have three FDI frigates in operation.
Additionally, negotiations between Athens and Paris continue regarding the fourth Greek FDI Belharra frigate, which Nikos Dendias announced last September at the Lorient shipyard.
According to sources, the political and military leadership aims to finalize negotiations within 2025, ensuring the ship’s delivery by late 2028.
The cost of the fourth FDI is expected to be in line with the previous three frigates, slightly exceeding one billion euros.