Greece is set to mark a milestone in its naval modernization as Defense Minister Nikos Dendias travels to Lorient, western France, for the official naming and flag-raising ceremony of the country’s first Belharra-class frigate.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 18, and αφορά the frigate FDI HN F-601, named Kimon. It is the first of the Belharra frigates built for the Hellenic Navy. The raising of the Greek flag formally signals the vessel’s entry into Greek service.

Minister Dendias will be accompanied by Greece’s Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras.

During his visit to Lorient, Dendias is also scheduled to meet with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin. According to official announcements, discussions will focus on bilateral defense cooperation, regional and European security, and prospects for further strengthening the strategic relationship between Greece and France.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the implementation of existing defense agreements, cooperation in the defense industry, and coordination in addressing modern security challenges. The visit underscores the growing defense partnership between the two countries, with the Belharra program seen as a central pillar of that cooperation.