Greek Parliament to Approve Frigate “Themistocles” Armed with Cruise Missiles over 1,000 km

The Hellenic Parliament is set to approve the acquisition of a fourth FDI (Belharra) frigate, to be named “Themistocles”, in the advanced Standard 2++ configuration. This next-generation warship is expected to significantly boost the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy, as it will be the first to carry new-generation Cruise missiles with a range of over 1,000 kilometers.

Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, arriving at the Parliament for the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee session, declared: “I am certain that the Hellenic Parliament will support the government in the national necessity of further strengthening the Navy.”

The New Era of Belharra Frigates

According to Dendias, the Belharra Standard 2++ incorporates ten major improvements over the earlier configuration, drawing lessons from both recent conflicts worldwide and the “Aspides” naval operation in the Red Sea.

“I dare say with full knowledge that the Belharra Standard 2++ is today the most advanced frigate on the planet,” he emphasized.

One of the most critical upgrades is the ability to launch the new ELSA Cruise missile (European Long Range Strike Approach), a pan-European program designed to provide long-range precision strike capability. This missile will extend Greece’s reach deep into strategic territory.

ELSA – Europe’s Answer to Tomahawk and Kalibr

The ELSA program aims to deliver Europe’s equivalent to the American Tomahawk and Russian Kalibr missiles. The fourth Greek FDI will be equipped with the Sylver 70 vertical launch system, already capable of firing the French SCALP Naval (MdCN) and, in the future, the ELSA once development is completed.

With this addition, Greece positions itself at the forefront of Mediterranean naval power, deploying vessels capable of precision strikes at long distances.

Strategic and Political Significance

The fourth FDI frigate and the upgrade of the three previously ordered ships to the Standard 2++ level ensure that the Hellenic Navy will operate a homogeneous, state-of-the-art fleet.

“It is a national necessity, but also a powerful investment for the future of Greece’s defense and security,” Dendias concluded.