In a recent announcement on Monday, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed ongoing discussions between Greece and the US regarding the co-production of US-designed Constellation-class frigates. Dendias shared details after a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, in Athens, stating, “We are discussing with the US the joint design and co-production of the new generation of Constellation frigates.”
Furthermore, Dendias disclosed that the Greek navy received a letter from the US navy on January 16, expressing initial approval for Greece’s interest in co-producing seven new frigates within Greek shipyards.
If an agreement is reached, Greece could actively participate in the program from its inception, contributing to the design based on the specific needs of the Greek navy.
In addition to naval developments, Dendias addressed the acquisition of F-35 stealth fighter jets by the Greek air force.
He emphasised that it is premature to discuss the costs associated with this acquisition.
Last Friday, the US administration formally informed Congress of its intention to proceed with an $8.6-billion deal, selling 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets to Greece.
Simultaneously, the US announced a $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, highlighting Washington’s efforts to maintain a balance within NATO.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed the US State Department’s decision, characterising it as “an important day for our national defense and for Greek diplomacy.”
