Frigates ANZAC for the Navy: Data, interest and questions

Each second-hand ship and , which has possibilities to meet the needs of the Fleet, is interested in , especially in the given timing, intersects the Naval Staff. So Australia’s decision to withdraw within the next few years two MEKO 200 class ANZAC frigates cannot go unnoticed, let alone when it comes to ships with features that fit the Greek Navy. However, according to the first estimates there are a number of important questions that need to be answered until the interest is transformed into an official proposal to begin procedures for their acquisition. The situation of ships, their configuration, the cost of acquisition, but also the willingness or not of the Australians to enter soon into the concession process of at least four frigates or even the eight they have within a reasonable period of time are some of the initial questions that are to be asked in an exploratory manner over the next period. In addition, as highlighted features from sources of the Navy, the class Anzac may belong to the generation of MEKO 200 as well as the four Greek class “HYDRAs”, but the Australian frigates in relation to our Navy ships present common characteristics and differences both mechanically and in the armament they use. Athens has already been informed in writing of the Australians’ decision to withdraw within the next two years, and in particular in 2024 and 2026, the frigates FFH-150 ANZAC and FFH-151 ARUNTA, but it does not seem at least to follow in withdrawal and the remaining six ships of the same class. In fact, the information states that one of the two withdrawal frigates may be intended for spare parts rather than to remain in service and meet operational needs. A response to the situation of the two ships can be given, as highlighted by Fleet Staff, only by autopsy on the withdrawn ships. With this data, as well as the fact that the cost of obtaining the two ships will be covered by the Navy, it can begin the next consultation period, which depending on Australian responses will evolve or not into an official move of interest in their acquisition. The advantages of Anzac frigates are of course attributed to the fact that they serve in a very powerful world Navy with a great tradition in the maintenance of its units, but also the double modernisation of ships. It is the anti-Ship Missile Upgrade Programme defense configuration, which took place on all eight Anzac as well as the Anzac Mid-Life Capacity Assurance Programme program, which was performed by the same contractor company BAE Systems. Upgrades which multiply the operational capabilities of ships especially in a multi-threatening environment with emphasis on anti-aircraft defence. The disadvantages of ships are the absence of a missile system. All data is expected to be examined by the Naval Staff and according to the answers it will be decided whether the Navy will proceed to the next step with the display of official interest in order to launch the procedures for obtaining the ships. source: Onalert.gr – Reportage: Kostas Sarikas