Historic Arrival of Greek Belharra Frigate Marks New Era in Aegean Security

This vessel — the first new warship added to the Greek fleet in 28 years — reached the Salamis Naval Base on January 15, 2026, in a ceremony attended by senior state, political and military leaders, including President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.

The frigate’s voyage into Greek waters was marked by a symbolic naval escort that included the historic armored cruiser HS Averof and the reconstructed ancient trireme HS Olympias — a moment blending 3,000 years of Greek naval tradition into the present.

A Strategic Upgrade for Greek Defense

HS Kimon is equipped with cutting‑edge systems that significantly enhance Greek maritime defense: advanced air defense radars, anti‑air and anti‑ship missiles, anti‑submarine warfare tools, and close‑in weapon systems — all integrated with helicopter support and interoperable with Hellenic Air Force assets.

The new frigate delivers:

• Area air defense capabilities with long‑range radar and Aster‑30 missiles
• Enhanced anti‑submarine operations with MU90 torpedoes
• Improved surface warfare capacity with Exocet MM40 Block 3C missiles and advanced gun systems
• Networked maritime awareness to support coordination with air and fleet assets 

According to naval leadership, Kimon’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for the Hellenic Navy, giving Greece stronger deterrent power and operational flexibility in a region marked by lingering tensions and strategic competition.

What Comes Next

This is just the first step in a broader upgrade plan. Greece expects to receive three additional Belharra frigates — Nearchos and Formion in 2026, followed by Themistoklis by 2028 — completing a major modernization cycle for its surface fleet.

The Hellenic Navy is now focused on integrating Kimon fully into operations, including intensive crew training, participation in naval exercises, and coordination with other vessels to maximize strategic impact.

Political and Security Implications

The arrival of Kimon strengthens Greece’s maritime defense posture at a crucial moment for Eastern Mediterranean security. With advanced surveillance and combat systems, the frigate enhances Greece’s ability to protect its maritime interests, reinforcing deterrence and contributing to regional stability — a key priority in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

In the words of Prime Minister Mitsotakis, the introduction of this asset is part of a broader commitment to deliver a safer homeland, reflecting Greece’s long‑term strategy to modernize its armed forces and safeguard sovereign rights at sea.

Source: pagenews.gr