Greece has officially signed a deal to purchase 16 Exocet missiles from France, as announced by Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. The agreement was made during the visit of French Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, to Athens.

The talks focused on enhancing military ties and strategic cooperation between Greece and France, particularly within NATO and the European Union. Dendias highlighted that the two nations are close allies, sharing similar views on the evolving situation in Europe and the surrounding region.

“Greece is always confident that France will consider our security in its decisions, and the need for our country to maintain a technological edge in defence against revisionist powers. Greece is not a threat, but it is being threatened,” he said.

He also mentioned that discussions should begin to renew the Greece-France defence agreement. “We already have a strong partnership, reflected in the acquisition of three Belharra frigates, with talks underway for a fourth, as well as the purchase of Rafale jets, which are crucial for deterrence and defence in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean,” he added. Dendias further praised the joint efforts of Greece and France in international missions, such as the Οperation Aspides, and expressed Greece’s appreciation for France’s role in fostering a common European security framework.

Sébastien Lecornu also noted that “maritime defence is the cornerstone” of Greece-France discussions in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa.

“This is the first time in many years that we’ve seen such disruption and destabilisation in the maritime routes,” he said. “Both Greece and France are major maritime nations,” Lecornu continued, thanking Greece for its warm reception of the French Navy, including the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

Lecornu also announced plans to ask the Naval Group to increase its presence in Greece, suggesting that a subsidiary of the company could be set up in the country, in close collaboration with local partners, especially the Skaramanga shipyards.

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