The new Belharra-class frigate “Kimon” now sails in the Argosaronic Gulf, having entered Salamis Naval Station as part of a particularly symbolic, magnificent and grand welcome ceremony. The reception ceremony in the Saronic Gulf was attended by President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, with a total of six Hellenic Navy vessels participating.
Live footage from ERT for the reception of Frigate “Kimon”
Frigate “Kimon” milestone for strengthening national defense
The integration of frigate “Kimon” into the fleet represents a milestone for national defense and marks a new era for the Hellenic Navy, substantially strengthening the country’s deterrent capability. The acquisition of advanced frigates like “Kimon” is part of Greece’s broader strategic planning for upgrading the Armed Forces.
Cutting-edge systems of Frigate “Kimon”
The frigate features cutting-edge digital air defense systems – equipped with Sea Fire radars – while distinguished for its anti-submarine power. Among the systems carried by “Kimon” are Aster-30 anti-aircraft missiles for the A50 launchers positioned at the bow, Exocet MM40 Block 3C surface missiles, MU90 torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare operations, RAM missiles, the 76mm Oto Melara gun, and two 20mm Lionfish remote-controlled multi-barrel weapons.
Mitsotakis from frigate “Kimon”: We took a step to deliver a homeland safer than the one we inherited
“The first duty of every government is to deliver a homeland safer than the one I inherited, today we take an important step in this direction,” stated Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from the deck of frigate “Kimon“.
The Prime Minister added: “I will focus only on the fact that it is another link in a continuous effort to modernize the Armed Forces.” At the reception ceremony in the Saronic Gulf for the new Belharra-class frigate , President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias were also present, while six Hellenic Navy vessels participated in total.
Full statement by Kyriakos Mitsotakis
“The few of us who found ourselves today on the bridge and deck of Kimon, but also the many who watched these images on television receivers. I believe we all felt pride, joy and a sense of revival for Kimon’s arrival and its official integration into our Navy.
Regarding the operational capabilities of this ultra-modern vessel.We have talked extensively. I will focus only on the fact that it is another link in a continuous effort to modernize the Armed Forces, both in terms of the means they possess and in terms of strengthening human resources, so that our country’s deterrent capability is not questioned by anyone and our country projects its strength as a pole of stability and reliability in the Eastern Mediterranean with ever-greater effectiveness.
View this post on Instagram
The first duty of every government, every political leadership, and allow me to speak personally as Prime Minister, is to deliver a homeland safer than the one I inherited. And I believe that today we take a very important step in this direction.
Safe travels to Kimon and may we soon welcome the three additional ultra-modern Belharra frigates that will be integrated into our Navy within the next 18 months
