Greece signs LOI with the Netherlands for second-hand frigates and minehunters

Greece has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Netherlands for the possible transfer of two modernised Karel Doorman (M)-class frigates and six Alkmaar (Tripartite)-class mine-countermeasures (MCM) vessels to the Hellenic Navy.

The LOI was signed between the Hellenic defence procurement agency GDDIA and the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) on 27 October.

A similar LOI is expected to be signed between Greece and Belgium for the possible transfer of two Belgian frigates of the same type.

A Hellenic Navy delegation has already visited Den Helder and inspected the Dutch frigate Van Speijk, which is currently laid up due to staff shortages, and the Belgian Navy frigate Louise-Marie, which was under maintenance in the Netherlands. The minehunters were inspected in Zeebrugge, Belgium.

The LOI follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in September between Greece and French shipbuilder Naval Group and MBDA for the supply of three Frégate de défense et d'intervention (FDI) HN frigates, with an option for a fourth ship. The frigates will be built at Naval Group's shipyard in Lorient and will be delivered between 2025 and 2026.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the frigate sale would constitute part of a deeper strategic partnership with Greece to protect their shared interests in the Mediterranean.