A symbolic meeting between Greece and France took place aboard the new Greek Belharra frigate, “Kimon”, as part of an official visit by France’s Minister of Armed Forces, Catherine Vautrin, to Athens. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias hosted the discussions, signaling a deepening of the two countries’ military cooperation.
The agenda includes strengthening defense collaboration, renewing the bilateral agreement, and addressing broader regional security issues. Following the talks, the ministers are scheduled to give joint statements, after which Dendias will host a working lunch in honor of his French counterpart.
Meeting between Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias with the French minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin at the Belharra frigate in Salamina Naval Base, on Jan 29, 2026
Meeting between Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias with the French minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin at the Belharra frigate in Salamina Naval Base, on Jan 29, 2026
The Greek Navy’s modernization goes beyond the three existing Belharra frigates, with France proposing an additional three FDI-class frigates. Discussions also include the potential acquisition of Scorpene-class submarines, capable of carrying strategic weapons. Other countries, including Germany, Sweden, South Korea, and Japan, have shown interest in these submarine programs.
France has reportedly offered a strategic proposal to construct three additional FDI frigates in Greek shipyards, coupled with establishing a domestic production line for frigates and submarines in Salamina.
Meeting between Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias with the French minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin at the Belharra frigate in Salamina Naval Base, on Jan 29, 2026
A major point of negotiation is the renewal of the Greek-French defense agreement, which expires in June 2026. Greece aims for a new five-year upgraded pact, encompassing military-industrial collaboration and potential operational cooperation in case of security needs.
