Greek Navy: Strong Readiness Message with Weapon Trials – MEKO, Belharra, and Bergamini Frigates in Focus

In a highly significant operational activity in the Ionian Sea for the second consecutive year, as it enters a period of advancements in armament programs, the Greek Navy sends a clear message of revival and readiness. The missile system firings conducted by surface units, including Type ‘S’ frigates, confirmed the leadership’s intention to restore the Navy to intensive training and weapon system testing phases after years of inactivity. The Ionian Sea was chosen again this year as the firing range, following last year’s reactivation theme of exercises with live fire. For years, similar firings had almost disappeared, resulting in critical weapon systems not being adequately tested in the field. The decision by the Navy’s leadership to reinstate this crucial aspect of training, not only for operational evaluation but also for crew psychology, is considered pivotal. These activities demonstrate that even older technology ships, like the Type ‘S’ frigates, remain formidable when supported by proper training, professionalism, and technical care. This activity gains special significance when combined with the upcoming critical decisions about the future of the fleet. The immediate future will see the approval of the MEKO 200HN upgrade program through the Hellenic Parliament, with a clear implementation schedule until 2030 involving domestic shipyards and specialized technical entities. Upgrading the MEKOs, which form the backbone of the fleet, is essential to bridge the time gap until the full operational deployment of the new French Belharra frigates. Greece has already signed for three FDI HN frigates, while information suggests a decision on the Italian Bergamini frigates is imminent, possibly during the same parliamentary session approving the MEKO program. Recently, an educational torpedo launch of the SeaHake mod 2 took place, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to reactivating critical operational procedures. Although it was an educational torpedo without a warhead, the exercise had substantial operational implications, showing that the Navy is no longer confined to theoretical scenarios but is gradually returning to full testing and evaluation operations. Attention also turns to the potential acquisition of Italian Bergamini (FREMM) frigates, with low relative cost and quick delivery. The aim is for an immediate written agreement with Italy, which, if successful, would serve as a significant intermediate step until the full operational integration of the Belharra frigates and the completion of the MEKO modernization. Adding the Bergamini frigates would further enhance the strength of the Navy, especially considering the ever-changing geopolitical environment, Turkey’s continuous naval enhancement, and the need for strong naval presence in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, and missions like Operation ‘ASPIDES’. All these developments indicate a Navy entering a phase of operational revival and structural transformation. After years of stagnation, delays, and insufficient funds, the Greek Navy is determined to turn a new page, aiming for both maintaining readiness with available means and smoothly transitioning to a more technologically advanced and powerful force capable of meeting any challenge.