Greece and France are entering a new phase of strategic defense cooperation, marked by two pivotal developments during the official visit of French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Athens on Holy Monday, April 14, 2025.
At the heart of the visit was the signing of a bilateral agreement for the procurement of 16 EXOCET guided missiles, in the presence of both defense ministers. The agreement was signed by Lieutenant General Ioannis Bouras, Director General of Greece’s General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), and Annie Kristina Ramon, representative of MBDA.
Simultaneously, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced his intention to propose the acquisition of a fourth FDI/Belharra frigate to the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), within the framework of the strategic defense partnership with France.
“The procurement of three Belharra frigates, along with a potential fourth—should KYSEA accept my recommendation—will significantly deepen the naval cooperation between our countries,” Dendias stated.
Strengthening the Athens–Paris Strategic Axis
These developments align with the ongoing enhancement of defense ties under the 2021 Greece–France Strategic Agreement.
“Greece has full confidence that France considers Greece’s security in its decision-making, and supports maintaining a technological edge against revisionist threats. Greece does not threaten, but it is being threatened,” emphasized Dendias.
He also proposed initiating talks to renew the 2021 agreement, stressing its enduring strategic value.
Innovation and Joint Defense Initiatives
Dendias highlighted the importance of innovation-driven cooperation, citing the Hellenic-French Defense Innovation Symposium held in Athens in December 2024. He also referenced joint initiatives within the framework of Agenda 2030 and European strategic autonomy.
Visit to French Frigate “ALSACE” and Operation ASPIDES
The ministers jointly visited the French frigate “ALSACE” docked in Piraeus, which is currently part of Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea.
“ALSACE has successfully intercepted ballistic missiles and Houthi drones,” Dendias noted, underlining the importance of freedom of navigation and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Talks on Geopolitical and Defense Industry Developments
Their discussions covered European defense programs such as SAFE and ReArm Europe, developments in the EU defense industry, and the situation in Ukraine, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Sahel, and Syria.
Dendias also criticized Turkey’s attempts to participate in European defense programs, implying a lack of alignment with EU strategic interests.
“We value France’s leadership and contribution to shaping a unified European defense environment. We must reduce our dependencies and funding to third parties whose actions conflict with our national interests,” he asserted.
