According to the Greek Ministry of Defense, during the meeting, a proposal to further examine the evaluation capabilities for the acquisition of frigates from the following countries was accepted: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Through this declaration, it is possible to notice that Spain is absent from the selected offers. No announcements were made to explain the refusal of Navantia’s bid.
As Naval News reported previously, the Hellenic Navy requested a procurement of four new frigates, but the need was not limited to new-built frigates. Their need is so urgent that they require a “stop-gap” solution (consisting in the procurement of second-hand vessels or a lease of existing vessels) as well as an upgrade to the in-service Hydra-class frigates.
The Navantia proposal consisted of:
- Four new F110 frigates,
- An interim solution consisting of delivering two new Alfa 3000 light frigates in only 35 months,
- the modernization of the Greek Navy’s Hydra class frigates.
Unlike some of its competitors, Navantia’s stop gap solution did not consist of second-hand ships but of new ships. The Spanish shipbuilder’s proposal was to provide two brand new 3,000-tonne light frigates with anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities.
It is understood that the designs still being considered today, are:
- Lockheed Martin with the MMSC
- Naval Group with the FDI/Belharra
- Damen Sigma 11515
- Babcock with the Type 31/Arrowhead
- TKMS with the MEKO A200NG (or MEKO A300)
- Fincantieri (allegedly with the FREMM)
There may be an additional American offer under consideration: A “mini Burke” design being pitched by local naval architect Gibbs & Cox.
