With a highly essential operational activity in the Ionian Sea for the second consecutive year, while entering a period of developments for equipment programs related to frigates of his, the Naval sends a clear message of restart and readiness.
Rocket systems shots made by surface units, including “S” frigates, confirmed the intention of leadership restore the Navy to intense training and tasting of weapons systemsafter a period of many years of inaction.
The Ionian was also selected this year as a shooting range, following last year’s fleet reactivation pattern in real fire exercises. For years, similar shots had almost disappearedresulting in critical weapons systems not adequately controlled in the field.
The decision of the YEN leadership to reintroduce this critical aspect of education, not only for business evaluation, but also for the psychology of crews, is considered crucial.
The Specific rocket shots were carried out with flawless coordination and absolute successproving that even earlier technology ships, such as “S” frigates, remain remarkable when supported by proper education, professionalism and technical care.
Critical decisions
This activity gains particular importance if it is combined with the forthcoming critical decisions on the future of the fleet.
In the near future, the MEKO 200HN Class Frigates upgrade program is expected to pass from KYSEA, A program totaling approximately 290 million euroswith a clear timetable of implementation by 2030 and with the involvement of both domestic shipyards and specialized technical bodies.
The upgrading of the MEKO, ships that make up the backbone of the fleet, is absolutely necessary to cover the time gap until the full operational utilization of the new French frigates Belharra.
Greece has already signed for three frigates [FDI HN]while acquiring fourth Belharra is in the final straight linewith information reporting that the decision is expected soon, possibly in the same KYSEA that will validate the MEKO program.
Seahake Mod 2: Educational shot with substantial content
At the same time, as onalert.gr had revealed, Recently carried out a torpedoed seahake mod 2confirming the Navy’s intention to reactivate critical operational procedures.
The shot was made in the context of a scheduled exercise and It was aimed at controlling the launch process, familiarizing staff and testing in real conditions.
Although it was an educational torpedo without a war head, the exercise had a substantial operational footprint, showing that the Navy is no longer limited to theoretical scenarios, but gradually returns to fully operational testing and weapons ratings.
Awaiting for Bergamini
In the midst of all this, attention is also focused on the front of the Italian Bergamini Frigates (FREMM). Information from military sources report that Athens is pushing in every way to obtain two plus two ships of this class from Italian stocksat relatively low cost and fast delivery. The immediate written agreement with the Italians is the aim.
This possibility, if successful, will be an important intermediate step until the full operational integration of Belharra and the completion of the MEKO modernization.
The addition of Bergamini will give an even greater breath to the Navy, especially given the ever -changing geostrategic environment, the continued strengthening of Turkey at sea and the need for a strong presence of the fleet in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean but also in businesses such as business.
The Navy in a reboot phase
All of the above, from the shots in the Ionian Sea and the Seahake educational test, to the decisions on MEKO, Belharra and possible Bergamini, compose the image of a Navy that has entered the operational reboot phase and at the same time structural transformation.
After years of stagnation, delays and inadequate funds, the Navy seems determined to change the page.
The bet is now double: on the one hand maintaining the readiness with the available means and on the other the smooth and rapid transition to a new, more technologically advanced and powerful Navy capable of cope with any challenge.
Source: Onalert.gr – Reportage: Costas Sarikas