Defence Minister Dendias meets with Cyprus counterpart Palmas in Athens; US-Greece projects

Greece is considering the joint design and production of up to seven American new-generation 'Constellation' frigates at Greek shipyards, Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said in statements following his meeting with his Cyprus Republic counterpart Vasilios Palmas in Athens on Monday.

As Dendias said, the Hellenic Navy General Staff received a special letter by the relevant American service welcoming Greece's interest. He added that such an agreement, which would also take the Greek Navy's needs into account, would allow Greece to participate in the design from the start. Greece is reviewing whether the LCS frigates, which the United States will provide to Greece through a framework of free provision of a series of means, could provide an interim solution.

The Greek defense minister also said that he had discussed with his Cyprus Republic counterpart Palmas the extension of the naval base Evangelos Florakis at Mari, southern Cyprus, in order to accomodate modern frigates like the Belharras. He also extended an invitation to Cyprus to participate in innovation-boosting programs included in a new bill to be posted for public consultation shortly.

Referring to the supply of F-35s to Greece, Dendias said that the relevant American service had sent Greece a letter of agreement for the offer and acceptance of the jets' sale to Greece. It is too early to discuss pricing, he said, as the process is complicated. He asserted that when the Greek side makes its own assessments, they will be made public.

These actions will contribute to Greece, and to stability in the region, and security to Europe.