Greece Moving Forward with Fourth FDI Frigate Procurement

Greece has taken a decisive step in modernizing its navy with the procurement of a fourth FDI frigate, named Themistocles, the Greek government announced following a recent meeting of the Governmental Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that Themistocles will be built to the upgraded Belharra Standard 2++ specification, providing enhanced capabilities over the previously planned Standard 2 vessels. “Themistocles is not just the fourth frigate. One of its new capabilities includes integration with the latest ballistic missile system under the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) program,” Dendias was quoted as saying by reports. The existing three FDI frigates—Kimon, Nearchos, and Formion—will also be upgraded to Standard 2++.

The €982 million program, including follow-on support, reflects Greece’s expanding defense budget, which reached $8.9 billion for 2024 with projections for continued growth through 2029. The investment is driven by both NATO obligations and the need to replace aging Elli-class frigates.

The 122-meter, 4,500-ton multi-mission frigates can reach speeds up to 27 knots, carry a 10-ton helicopter or VTOL UAV, and operate across anti-ship, anti-air, anti-submarine, and special operations missions. Standard 2++ upgrades will integrate Aster 30 B1 NT missiles, MdCN cruise missiles, anti-UAV systems, and electronic support measures.

The parliamentary approval for Themistocles is expected soon. Once ratified, the frigate will join its sister ships in a phased upgrade program, with the first Standard 2++ retrofit scheduled for Kimon in 2029 and Themistocles by March 2030. France’s Naval Group, which built the frigates, has agreed to 25% industrial returns to benefit Greek defense companies, valued at roughly €200 million.