Greece to buy 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles from France: Report

ATHENS

Greece will purchase 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles from France, local media reported Monday.

The deal was signed in Athens during a meeting between visiting French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, according to public broadcaster ERT.

Arguing that Greece faces constant threats, Dendias said the country must always stay ahead of rival nations.

He also reiterated opposition to defense cooperation between Türkiye and the European Union.

Dendias confirmed that another FDI frigate can be purchased from France, in addition to the three already ordered.

Lecornu, for his part, emphasized France's commitment to the Eastern Mediterranean and expressed interest in building additional FDI-class frigates for the Greek Navy.

Following his meeting with Dendias, Lecornu met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Mitsotakis agreed with Dendias that defense cooperation between the EU and third countries cannot be in the contrary of the bloc's strategic interests and decisions on foreign policy.

France has been a key arms supplier to Greece in recent years, including deliveries of Rafale fighter jets and FDI-class frigates.

Greece has been using earlier versions of Exocet missiles for decades.