In a display of collaboration, French defence and energy company Naval Group celebrates the keel laying of HS Formion, the third Hellenic frigate, showing the evolving partnership between France and Greece in maritime defence.
Symbolising a stride in maritime defence collaboration, the keel laying ceremony of HS Formion at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient epitomises the strengthening ties between France and Greece in the naval defence sector.
The event marks the commencement of the assembly process for the third frigate but also shows the enduring industrial partnership between the two nations.
Greece and France signed a mutual defence agreement in 2021, and France has historically backed Greece in its relations with Turkey. According to GlobalData’s intelligence on Greece’s defence market, France is a significant defence partner in terms of procurement, with Greece procuring several new systems.
Through initiatives such as transferring technology facilitated by the Naval Group to SALAMIS SHIPYARDS, Greece is poised to enhance its indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, fostering self-reliance and autonomy in defence procurement.
As the FDI HN programme advances with the launch of HS Kimon and the forthcoming milestones for HS Nearchos, France and Greece are solidifying their defence ties. With the delivery of three frigates slated for 2025 and 2026, the collaborative endeavour shows a shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Mediterranean region.
In a separate Hellenic Navy development this year, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Thales joined forces to upgrade Greece’s four MEKO 200 Hydra-class frigates, a move the Greek parliament agreed upon in 2023.
The keel laying ceremony of HS Formion signifies a broader narrative of strategic alignment and mutual trust between France and Greece. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the burgeoning naval partnership between the two nations lays the foundation for enhanced interoperability and collective defence in the maritime domain.
