Naval Group offers to build 3 more FDI frigates in Greece
France’s Naval Group, which holds an agreement with Greece for three FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy and an option for a fourth, has submitted an application to the Greek government and its Defense Ministry for the establishment of a local production line manufacturing surface ships, submarines and unmanned surface vehicles, or USVs.
According to sources, the French proposal, which could possibly be implemented at Skaramangas Shipyards, on Athens’ western outskirts, may be accompanied by an agreement for three additional FDI frigates for the Hellenic Navy, not including the three already commissioned and being manufactured at the Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard, and the optional fourth, which, if ordered, will also be manufactured in France.
FDI frigates are a more heavily armed version of French frigates.
The French proposal has already received the approval of French President Emmanuel Macron and his Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu, who is scheduled to visit Athens on April 14.
Athens and Paris aim to put an end to concerns about “strained relations” over the potential sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey.
If finalized, the agreement would see Greece acquire a fleet of at least seven FDI frigates over the next decade.
The Naval Group proposal, submitted last week, is currently being examined by Athens.
According to the sources, Greece would receive returns of up to 40 percent from the construction of the three additional frigates.
The French shipbuilder, the sources added, is proposing the transfer of know-how, co-production and joint development of future programs, stressing it is seeking to “establish a strategic cooperation, not simply sell ships.”
Source: https://www.newgreektv.com/news-in-english-for-greeks/greece/item/37433-naval-group-offers-to-build-3-more-fdi-frigates-in-greece
Σχόλια Facebook