Athens has welcomed the Swedish government’s decision to proceed with the purchase of four French FDI frigates, a development closely monitored by the Ministry of National Defense and the Hellenic Navy due to a series of favorable outcomes it is expected to bring.
Greek officials view the move as reinforcing the broader FDI program, as it ends Greece’s status as the sole international customer and is expected to lower costs while improving the availability of spare parts, maintenance support, and upgrade pathways.
It is also anticipated to enhance long-term interoperability between the Greek, French and Swedish navies, which will increasingly operate “in the same operational language.”
Sweden’s acquisition, valued at approximately €4 billion, will see the frigates built at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, northwestern France. Once completed, the total number of FDI (“Belharra”) frigates will rise to 13, five of these for France, and four apiece for Greece and Sweden.
The expansion is considered significant for economies of scale, with increased demand expected to lower costs for spare parts, upgrades and long-term support. It is also expected to spread research and development expenses across a larger user base, reducing upgrade costs over time.
