A graphic depiction of Lockheed Martin's Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigate MLU and LCS HN proposal. (Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin has revealed more details of the ‘total package' solution proposed for the modernisation of the Hellenic Navy's (HN's) frigate fleet.
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) offer includes new-build Multi-Mission Surface Combatants (MMSCs) and the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the four Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates with common equipment.
The Greek parliament on 15 February ratified the procurement of three French FDI HN frigates from Naval Group in France, plus equipment and follow-on support (FOS). The frigate programme is part of a wider plan to modernise the Hellenic Navy fleet that also includes the acquisition of corvettes and the upgrade of the Hydra class.
Three European shipbuilding groups – Naval Group, Damen, and Fincantieri – have responded to the corvette requirement, bidding their respective Gowind 2500, Sigma 10514, and Doha/Al Zubarah (design FXC30) designs. Lockheed Martin has submitted a two-part bid, which encompasses both an MLU for the four Hydra-class frigates to extend their service lives for 15 years; and the sale of four MMSC vessels (a design derived from the US Navy's [USN's] Freedom variant Littoral Combat Ship).
Grigorios Koutsogiannis, Lockheed Martin's director for business development for Middle East and Greece, told Janes that the FMS letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) that was submitted to the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence (MoD) in late January is complementary to the Greek government's decision to procure French frigates.
“Greece needs new vessels to replace its ageing fleet,” he said. “The LOA provides a highly flexible framework for the Greek government to meet the [Hellenic Navy's] modernisation objectives to complement the recent FDI frigate acquisition decision.”
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