Greek Navy commissions second Belharra frigate Nearchos in Lorient
The multi-role frigate Nearchos, named after the ancient Greek admiral, was formally named at Naval Group's shipyard in Lorient, France.
KEY POINTS
- Nearchos is the Hellenic Navy's second FDI HN Belharra-class frigate, after Kimon (F-601)
- Naming ceremony held Friday at Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France
- Length 121.6 m, beam 17.7 m, draught 6.2 m, displacement 4,603 tons, crew capacity 149, top speed 27.5 knots
- Armament includes 32 ASTER 30 missiles, RAM system, eight EXOCET missiles, 76 mm gun, two 20 mm Lionfish systems and twin torpedo tubes
- Can carry one S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk or MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and two Schiebel Camcopter S-100 UAVs
The Hellenic Navy commissioned its second FDI HN Belharra-class frigate, Nearchos, at a naming ceremony held on Friday at Naval Group's shipyards in Lorient, France. The vessel follows the frigate Kimon (F-601) as the second ship of this type in Greek service.
Nearchos is a modern multi-role surface unit equipped with advanced sensor, weapon and self-protection systems. It is designed to counter threats from air, surface and subsurface domains.
“Today is a very significant moment for the Hellenic Republic. It delivers to you the most modern platform ever created for the defence of our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
The frigate measures 121.6 meters in length, 17.7 meters in beam and 6.2 meters in draught, with a displacement of 4,603 tons. It can accommodate 149 personnel and reach a maximum speed of 27.5 knots.
Its armament includes 32 ASTER 30 long-range air-defence missiles and a RAM close-in defence system. For surface warfare it carries eight EXOCET anti-ship missiles, one OTO Melara Super Rapido 76 mm gun and two remotely operated 20 mm Lionfish weapon systems. Anti-submarine capabilities consist of two twin torpedo tubes and an anti-submarine countermeasure launch system, complemented by electronic countermeasures for self-protection.
The ship can operate one S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk or MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and two Schiebel Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial vehicles. These aerial assets enhance surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine operations.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias told the crew that Greece is delivering the most modern platform ever created to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the day as one of pride for the country, saying the blue-and-white flag now flies from the mast of Nearchos, expanding the deterrent power of the Armed Forces.
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