Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) is convening at the Maximos Mansion, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at noon on Wednesday, July 2.
The meeting comes at a pivotal time, with two key items on the agenda: the unfolding situation in the Middle East and a major decision regarding the upgrade of four MEKO-class frigates in the Hellenic Navy.

Focus on Regional Stability and Naval Modernization

Today’s session is expected to assess the latest developments in the Middle East, a region marked by increasing volatility. However, a central point of discussion will also be Greece’s strategic defense posture at sea, specifically the modernization of the Hellenic Navy’s MEKO frigates—Hydra, Spetsai, Psara, and Salamis.

The upgrade program, which has already received approval from the relevant parliamentary committee, is now poised to get the green light from KYSEA. This move will pave the way for the long-anticipated overhaul of these key naval assets, reinforcing Greece’s maritime defense capabilities.

The Role of the MEKO Frigates

Until the arrival of the new French-built Belh@rra frigates, the MEKOs remain the steel backbone of the country’s naval force. These vessels have already proven their worth in high-risk missions, including deployments to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where they successfully countered threats from Houthi-launched drones and missiles.

Modernization Timeline

According to the proposed schedule, the first upgraded frigate is expected to rejoin the fleet by mid-2028. The full modernization of all four MEKO-class vessels is projected to be completed by the end of 2030. All upgrade work will be conducted in Greece, under close supervision by the Hellenic Navy, ensuring that the fleet remains a formidable force in the region.