Greek Frigate “Kimon” En Route to Salamis Naval Base in Triumphal Return

The Hellenic Navy’s latest flagship, the frigate “Kimon”, is currently sailing toward the Salamis Naval Base after departing the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, marking a significant moment in Greek maritime defense.

The Ministry of National Defence released footage showing the modern frigate underway in the Mediterranean. During the voyage, “Kimon” rendezvoused with the Greek frigate “Aigaion”, which is part of the European Union’s Operation Irini — a sign of cooperation between new and existing naval assets.

High‑Profile Welcome in the Saronic Gulf

According to the Hellenic Navy, the frigate will pass off the coast of Aegina early Thursday morning — a point at which Greece’s highest civilian and military leaders, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, are expected to arrive by helicopter to witness the milestone event.

The Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Vice Admiral Dimitrios‑Eleftherios Kataras, sent a ceremonial naval signal to “Kimon”, announcing that her entry into the Saronic Gulf will be accompanied by a tradition‑steeped naval procession: six Hellenic Navy vessels — including frigates, gunboats, and fast attack craft — will escort the vessel, accompanied by the legendary armored cruiser “Averof” and the ancient‑style trireme “Olympias”, weather and conditions permitting.

This staging is rich in symbolism: the fusion of ancient Greek naval heritage with cutting‑edge maritime technology is meant to reflect a continuity of seafaring power and national defense from classical antiquity to the modern era.

“Kimon” — A New Era for Greek Naval Power

The frigate “Kimon” is Greece’s first Belharra‑class warship, signaling a significant upgrade in the country’s naval capabilities. It was recently commissioned, following construction and outfitting in France, and is poised to become a cornerstone of Greek naval strategy, integrating advanced sensor suites, combat systems, and interoperability features for combined missions with allied fleets.

The choice to escort “Kimon” with both the historic Averof and the trireme Olympias underscores a broader narrative the Navy seeks to project: maritime strength rooted in heritage but looking to the future.

Strategic Timing and Regional Context

The arrival of “Kimon” also comes amid heightened regional tensions. Reports indicate a sharp increase in Turkish airspace violations over the Aegean Sea in recent hours, prompting Greek forces to remain on heightened alert as the frigate nears its homeport.

As “Kimon” completes her voyage and prepares for a festive and symbolic entry into Salamis, the event highlights both the modernization of the Hellenic Navy and Greece’s broader strategic posture in the Eastern Mediterranean — a region where naval strength remains central to deterrence and defense cooperation with European and NATO partners.

Source: pagenews.gr