At the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, a flag-raising ceremony took place today (30/10) marking the official commissioning of the frigate “Nearchus” into the Hellenic Navy, in the presence of Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and the military leadership of the Armed Forces. This state-of-the-art multi-role surface vessel represents the latest addition to the Greek fleet as part of the FDI HN frigate acquisition program — a program designed to significantly upgrade Greece’s air defense, surveillance, and threat-response capabilities at sea.
Read also: Greek flag raised on Belharra frigate “Nearchus” — Dendias: “It is the best ship of its class on the planet” (Video)
Frigate “Nearchus”: Key specifications
The frigate “Nearchus” measures 121.6 meters in length, 17.7 meters in beam, and has a draft of 6.2 meters, with a displacement of 4,603 tons. The vessel can accommodate a crew of 149 personnel and reaches a top speed of 27.5 knots.
In terms of air defense, the frigate “Nearchus” is equipped with 32 ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles for engaging long-range aerial threats, as well as a RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) close-in weapon system for short-range threat neutralization.
For surface warfare, the frigate carries 8 EXOCET anti-ship missiles, one OTO Melara Super Rapido naval gun, and two 20mm Lionfish remote-controlled weapon systems. Its anti-submarine warfare suite includes two twin torpedo tubes and a submarine countermeasures launch system, alongside an electronic countermeasures system. The vessel is capable of operating an S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk or MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, as well as two Schiebel Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Mitsotakis: “Fair winds and following seas, ‘Nearchus'”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the occasion as “a great moment for the Hellenic Navy.” In his official statement, he wrote: “Today is a great moment for our Navy and yet another day of pride for our country: the Greek flag is already flying from the mast of the frigate ‘Nearchus’ — the second Belharra-class vessel to join our national fleet, following the ‘Kimon.’ This further strengthens the deterrent power of our Armed Forces and reinforces stability across the entire Eastern Mediterranean.
This is one more step in our extensive defense modernization program, making our country safer than ever. A program that forms part of the broader national effort to shield Greece’s sovereign rights — both militarily and diplomatically — ensuring that every euro of taxpayers’ money is well spent and delivers real results.
A heartfelt thank you to the women and men of the Hellenic Navy, who are training intensively to serve aboard our new, cutting-edge warships. Let us not forget that we are also preparing to welcome two more frigates of this class: ‘Formion’ in the near future, and ‘Themistocles’ in 2028. We continue to move forward — with confidence, continuity, and commitment! Fair winds and following seas, ‘Nearchus,’ upon our forever free and blue waters.”
Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff: “This class critically upgrades the fleet’s operational capabilities”
Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, also addressed the ceremony. “This class of frigates critically upgrades the fleet’s operational capabilities, enhancing the Navy’s ability to respond to the demands of an ever-changing and multidimensional maritime security environment,” he stated.
He noted that the vessels “stand out for their technological superiority and unmatched operational capabilities,” adding that they “embody the pinnacle of modern naval warfare” and represent the next chapter in shipbuilding excellence.
Admiral Kataras further emphasized that the frigates enable the projection of credible naval power, supporting national diplomacy and advancing Greece’s national interests. He also described this class of frigates as “a validation of the unbreakable bonds of friendship between France and Greece,” calling the partnership strategic and “an unwavering alliance forged through shared challenges and opportunities.”
He went on to speak about the frigate’s name, noting that it honors “the distinguished name of Admiral Nearchus,” the renowned naval commander of Alexander the Great. In choosing this name, he said, Greece reaffirms its enduring commitment to naval excellence, paying tribute to a profound legacy of valor and strategy.
Special recognition was extended to the vessel’s godparents, Mr. Athanasios and Mrs. Marina Martinou. Admiral Kataras expressed his certainty that “our national memory will forever preserve the indelible mark of their generous contribution,” placing them among the great benefactors of the Greek nation. He added that, as godparents, the names of Mr. and Mrs. Martinou will remain forever linked to the frigate “Nearchus.”
Addressing the crew of the frigate “Nearchus,” Admiral Kataras reminded them that he has repeatedly conveyed that “the strength of the Hellenic Navy and of Greece has always been tied to a bow cutting through the waves.” He concluded by marking the raising of the Greek flag on the frigate, noting that it now proudly bears the blue and white colors at its mast.
Naval Group CEO: “An honor to deliver the second FDI frigate”
“Just ten months after the delivery of ‘Kimon,’ it is an honor to deliver the second FDI frigate to the Hellenic Navy — ‘Nearchus’ — in the presence of Catherine Vautrin and Nikos Dendias, both of whom I would like to thank for their renewed trust,” said Pierre-Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group. “I thank everyone who contributed to reaching this key milestone, from the Naval Group teams to our industrial and institutional partners in Greece and France, as well as the crew and the Hellenic Navy,” he added.
