Turkey’s naval build-up has Hellenic Navy considering the purchase of more ships

The announcement of the shipbuilding program by the Turkish Armed Forces and the geopolitical challenges in the wider region have prompted the Hellenic Navy to explore acquiring more ships.

As outlined in the plan presented to parliament in November by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the Hellenic Navy aims for a fleet of 16 main vessels by 2035.

Given that the S-class frigates, some of which have served in Greek waters for 50 years, are nearing the end of their operational life, Greece is already working to acquire a fourth FDI Belharra frigate and plans to modernize its four MEKO frigates.

The Navy's leadership appears to be considering the European corvette program (MMPC) and the American Constellation-class frigates. However, both programs are still in their early stages and are not expected to enter production until at least the start of the next decade.