Navy: 4th FDI and modernization of MEKO200HN and then waiting…

As everything shows, the PN has now studied various scenarios on how to use the 2.2 billion euros left over from the original 5.5 billion budget for 2020. It wants so much, the wonder of Artos and Pisces cannot be repeated. 2.2 billion euros can be 2.3 or 2.1 but not 5 or 6. So based on what we know about the prices of the various options, PN can now do the following:

1. Purchase of 4th FDI frigate (costing about 1 billion according to Naval Group CEO), and modernization of 4 MEKO200HN frigates (About 850 million euros, plus 250 million euros for the main gun upgrade, as well as the close defense system, RAM/Phalanx)
2. Or buy 3 Corvettes, 2 with construction at a Greek shipyard at a cost of around 2.1 billion euros (including arms). Gowind HN corvettes or FCx-30s, with little difference in price between them.

Disclosure: There is no choice between modernizing MEKOs and buying another FDI

Now the first scene stands out because it excels in action. Another FDI will provide the fleet with a force of 32 Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, while increasing the overall availability of the class, while partially reducing operating costs due to economies of scale. 4 upgraded MEKO200HNs continue to reliably deliver 64 more ESSM anti-aircraft missiles, more modernized anti-submarine warfare platforms and 4 powerful 127mm guns. All these 4 boats offer very economical operation due to existing infrastructure and spare parts and good know-how and experience for them, while their upgrade provides better return on initial investment.

The disadvantage of not making a 4th FDI in Greece is eliminated because PN will already have to do all the modernization for MEKOs domestically, so there will be some shipyard work here.

Of course, one or the other will create 6 to 8 new or upgraded ships in the fleet (4 FDI + 4 MEKO, or 3 FDI + 3 corvettes). This means that by 2030, at least 4 Kortener-class warships will be in service for replenishment.

Theoretically, Greece will start receiving PN class ships after 2032 by joining the Constellation project. At a “reasonable” production rate, 4 galaxy HNs will be at Salamis just before 2040, when some S will be around for 60 years. Old. We repeat this, Only if a constellation project starts and continues without cuts and delays. Already this year, the S has little to offer, let alone a decade later.

In a few words, PN goes “breathlessly” to the solution of the need, whatever it chooses. Basically, the “vision” of small PN is becoming a reality, or will be shortly before 2030. In fact, if the negotiations for constellations do not continue, we will go to a much smaller PN.

We saw how dramatic this is in an edition a few days ago. That is, when Turkey had the operational capability, but also of course the political courage (these are related to each other, because “ability” allows you more scenarios, as well as “courage”), For reasons such as moving 50 warships to occupied Cyprus, but also as an attempt to intimidate. In the “battle” of images and symbols, it is also registered internationally, in complex relations of power, beyond and distant from the television image. A few days later, on the way back, they separated 5 ships from this fleet and sent them to Kasos, where they played a strong game of impressions and claims.

What will ultimately advance our devices…

Continuation of this Naval Security