The Navy will equip the four FIGHTER-class patrol vessels (HSY56A) and the four Mk V SOCs with Rafael’s Spike NLOS and ER II ATGM missiles, and an electro-optical sensor, while we will also receive minesweepers from the Netherlands
According to the website navalnews.com, the future of the Hellenic Navy Fleet is auspicious and all this will count in the coming period in all developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The journalist of the website D. Mitsopoulos reports: “the following is an overview of the planned supply of ships and aircraft of the Greek Navy, as well as the expected modernization and upgrading of the vessels that are in service.
Our focus period spans from July 8, 2019, to the end of the current decade.
In 2019-2021, three former Platform Support Vessels (PSVs) were donated to the Navy by shipowner Panos Laskaridis, as general support vessels (replenishment, support, etc.).
This was an important addition to the Hellenic Navy’s fleet which lacked modern logistics ships.
Also in 2020, the 6th Roussin-class (Super Vita) FACM TPC was delivered and joined the Navy.
In 2021-2022, four Mk V Special Operations Craft (SOC) vessels donated by the United States joined the Navy after receiving several upgrades, including a new communications suite, navigation radar and electro-optical sensor (FLIR EOS).
In 2022, a new special mission vessel named AGENOR was acquired, and the 7th TPC Clais Roussin, Four Special Purpose Inflatable Boats (11M NSW RIB) donated by the United States, which were put into service by the Hellenic Navy.
In the same year, five Alpha 900 UAVs were put into service, which are intended to equip mainly the four Hydra class frigates (MEKO 200HN).
In early 2023, Greece is set to take delivery of four US Coast Guard-class patrol boats.
These vessels will replace some very old coastal patrol vessels after receiving some major upgrades, including new armament.
From the end of the year, and probably in early 2024, Greece will receive five Alkmaar-class minesweepers from the Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine) that will replace our only Hunt-class vessel (since the other vessel, KALYSTO, was involved in a collision with a commercial cargo ship and was put out of service).
It is noted that on October 27, 2021, an LOI was signed for the possible acquisition of two Karel Doorman (M)-class frigates and six Alkmaar-class (Tripartite-class) minesweepers for the Hellenic Navy, between Greece and the Netherlands.
From 2023 to the end of 2025, the Navy plans to equip four FIGHTER-class patrol vessels (HSY56A) and four Mk V SOCs with Rafael’s Spike NLOS and ER II ATGM missiles, as well as an electro-optical sensor.
The four Papanikolis-class AIP submarines (Type 214HN) and the single OKEANOS (Type 209/1500) will receive the new Seahake Mod 4 torpedoes, as well as Leonardo decoy launch systems for self-defense against threats.
In the period 2023-2026, various aircraft will strengthen the aviation capabilities of our navy.
We start with Four upgraded and fully modernized P3 Orion MPA & SIGINT, which will be phased into service along with seven (7) MH-60R helicopters.
There are currently discussions for 1+2 additional helicopters of the type while the older S70s are partially modernized.
The MH-60R helicopter will introduce new weapons to the Greek Fleet, including Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) rockets, Mk54 torpedoes, and M-240 and GAU-21 systems.
In the period 2024-2028, the four HYDRA-class frigates, the four Papanikolis-class frigates and at least the first four Roussenne-class TPCs are expected to be modernized with new systems.
In 2025 our first Frigates from France will come to Greece.
The first two FDI frigates will be commissioned to replace the non-modernized HELLI class frigates (Kortenaer type).
The ships will be equipped with new UAVs, such as Camcopter S100 or VSR700. In 2028, the third FDI Frigate will be commissioned.
A tender is currently underway to acquire four or 3+1 corvettes. The main contenders are Naval Group with Gowind 2800, Fincantieri with FCX-30.
Also, the first two European Corvettes (EPCs), as part of the PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation of the EU) project, will probably join the Greek navy”, he says among other things.
Athens’ main goal is to create a modern fleet by 2030-31 that will include 12 frigates, 6 corvettes and 8 submarines.
Given the aeronautical nature of any potential conflict with Turkey in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, modernization of the navy and air force is the only way forward.
If we receive one more FDI Frigate, then we would have FOUR state-of-the-art Frigates which “crowned” from Thassos to Kastelorizo, could turn the Aegean into an A2AD area, i.e. an area of denial of entry to any Turkish warship and submarine, whatever be this.
However, such a move by the most modern warships of our Navy would require the Greek Rafale and F-16V to “lock” the airspace of the Aegean, causing real terror in Turkey.
In less than five years, Greece will overturn the naval balance of power with Turkey, endowed with a state-of-the-art fleet (which it has seen since the time of the Balkan wars and this is certainly no accident).
