Greece has confirmed the purchase of a fourth FDI Belharra-class frigate, to be named Themistocles, a decision that immediately drew reactions in Turkey. The move was announced after a meeting of Greece’s top defense council, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlining the priority of strengthening the navy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias explained that the ship will be built in the upgraded Standard 2++ version. This configuration includes more missile launchers and is designed to host the future ELSA missile, a system under development with anti-ballistic capabilities. The other three frigates ordered by Athens will also be upgraded to the same standard.
Turkish media framed the decision as a “qualitative leap” for the Hellenic Navy, warning that Greece is moving from simple deterrence to advanced missile defense. For Ankara, the development signals a shift in the balance of power across the region.
