Nearchos: upgrade target for 2030 and expected arrival in December
The defence ministry published Dendias’s Lorient remarks. Standard 2+++ is presented as a target, with arrival in Greece expected in early December.
Updated 30.10.2026 · 17:05, Athens time — What changed
On 30 October 2026, the defence ministry published Nikos Dendias’s Lorient remarks, adding information about FDI frigate planning following today’s Nearchos handover ceremony.
The minister set a target of achieving the Standard 2+++ configuration by 2030. This is a stated upgrade objective and does not establish that the ship already has that configuration.
He also referred to greater Greek construction participation following the fourth frigate order. The announcement specifies neither a new percentage of Greek participation nor the value of a new contract. He expects Nearchos to reach Greece in early December.
The ministry records discussions with Catherine Vautrin on implementing existing agreements, defence industry cooperation and European security. The Lorient ceremony and incorporation into the Hellenic Navy were covered in the previous update.
Previous updates — history
The handover ceremony for Nearchos took place in Lorient, France, on 30 October 2026, attended by Nikos Dendias and covered by ERT. It is Greece’s second FDI HN frigate.
The defence ministry had identified the raising of the Greek flag as the milestone marking the ship’s formal incorporation into the Hellenic Navy. Its 29 October announcement scheduled the ceremony for 13:30 French time, 14:30 in Greece.
In remarks reported by ERTnews today, the minister said he expected the vessel to reach Greece in early December.
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