British shipbuilder Babcock is proposing its Arrowhead 140 design for the Hellenic Navy frigate requirement. The vessels, based on the future Type 31 frigate of the Royal Navy, are part of a wider package offer by the shipbuilder which partnered with Thales UK, and is supported by the British government.
In a previous interview conducted by Naval News, Jonathan Welton, Vice President of business development at Babcock detailed the offer of the company for the Hellenic Navy frigates replacement program without any confirmation of the place where would be built the frigates if Babcock was selected and what would be the gap-filler solution.
At DEFEA 2021 – Defence Exhibition Athens – Naval News was able to get some additional details from Babcock. Jonathan Welton outlined the British company offer through four pillars:
First the platform offered, the Arrowhead 140, is a fully capable to fullfill all Hellenic Navy’s requirements. Key advantages of the design include ease of construction, competitive pricing quick delivery time, and ease of maintenance.
“We are able to deliver world class capability at a highly competitive rate, so we think it’s a considerable interest for the Hellenic Navy for their current and future needs in terms of developing capability and growing capability.”
Jonathan Welton, Vice President of business development at Babcock
Moreover, Jonathann Weton outlined that all four frigates would be build in Greece in a Greek shipyard. It is to be noticed that Babcock is the only constructor to offer this solution with Damen.
The second pillar consists in the Hydra-class upgrade. Babcock relies on its long experience with their Royal Navy’s frigate maintenance and modernization programs to advance on this segment of the program. Babcock indicated that the modernization would also be conducted in Greece.
As for the interim solution, Babcock revealed that the UK Government is offering two type 23 frigates;
“We are working hard between the Royal Navy and the Hellenic Navy to work out an optimum plan for the delivery if we are selected.”
Jonathan Welton, Vice President of business development at Babcock
Finally, the last pillar mentioned by the Mr. Welton is the industrial one. Babcock is currently developing close relationship with Greek shipyardS (which weren’t specified) as well as the supply chain of all companies involved in the maritime industry in Greece.
About Arrowhead 140 (Type 31) Frigate
Arrowhead 140 delivers high levels of operability, adaptability and reliability, providing the Hellenic Navy with operational choice and confidence in operational performance. A multi-mission surface combatant, the frigate is capable of providing force protection, conducting surface, anti-air, anti-submarine and electronic warfare operations, and is operationally highly proficient.
Based on a proven NATO frigate design, it offers flexible spaces able to host disaster relief stores or civilians during evacuation operations amongst other roles. A capability already employed within the in-service design.
The Arrowhead 140 flight deck is designed for a wide range of naval aircraft and air systems, with a hangar that can accommodate an organic medium naval helicopter such as a MH-60 Seahawk combined with unmanned air systems.
Arrowhead 140 can operate with a Ship’s Company of less than 100 personnel. With dedicated accommodation for 180+ personnel and additional temporary accommodation, the platform can carry a significant number of Embarked Military Force, including Special Forces, littoral manoeuvre troops or additional command and control personnel.
