ATHENS

Greece and France on Thursday announced their intention to expand defense and military cooperation.

Speaking after a meeting with visiting French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said the updated defense agreement between the two countries will include clauses on mutual defense assistance, military cooperation, and collaboration in the defense industry, according to the daily Kathimerini.

“We have agreed to conclude the negotiations very fast, within one or two months, and then sign,” he said.

Referring specifically to the FDI-type frigates, the first of which has already been delivered to the Greek Navy by France, Dendias said the ships will be upgraded to carry strategic weapons.

“The decision for the FDI program is not just about military procurements, but about the way Greece protects its sovereignty and sovereign rights,” the Greek minister added.

For her part, Vautrin said defense cooperation between Paris and Athens contributes to regional stability.

“We will continue to defend the rights of Greece and France. Our cooperation is among the most successful at the European level,” she said.

Since the late 1970s, France has been one of Greece’s major arms suppliers, providing a range of advanced weapons systems, including missiles, main battle tanks, and fighter jets.

The latest defense agreement between Greece and France was signed in September 2021 and included mutual defense clauses as well as the export of French-made FDI frigates to Greece.