The Greek Defence Minister has confirmed that the USA has agreed in principle to the joint design and production of Constellation class frigates, to be built in Greek shipyards. The proposed ships would be a scaled-down version of the US design, which itself is based on the Italian FREMM frigate. Greece is also in the running to receive four ex-US Navy Freedom class Littoral Combat Ships, which are surplus to requirements. The Hellenic Navy plans to field a range of at least 18 warships after 2030, comprised of seven Constellation class frigates, to replace the ageing Elli class (Dutch Kortenaer) in the air defence role, three Kimon class FDIs, currently under construction in France, the four existing Hydra class (MEKO 200 HN) frigates, along with the Freedom class LCS and a number of European Patrol Corvettes.
Such ambitious plans come with the caveat that a number of previous procurement projects have failed to happen.
Greece hopes to secure a deal to build its own version of the US Constellation class frigate.