A liveblog covering German political developments, including Friedrich Merz's government statement on the NATO meeting and reform decisions. It also notes that the budget committee approved the purchase of at least four frigates, and Wadephul stated NATO is stronger than ever.

A debate has erupted in Sweden over the necessity and cost of purchasing four frigates from France for 40 billion SEK, with some comparing them to 'Patriot at sea'.

The cancellation of the F126 program and Germany's shift to MEKO type frigates demonstrates Berlin's preference for 'proven platforms,' involving both Germany and Greece in the MEKO equation.

Dutch shipbuilder Damen has definitively lost a significant German order for frigates. The details of why the order was lost were not immediately clear.

The Hellenic Navy's fleet modernization is advancing as French shipbuilder Naval Group accelerates the delivery of high-tech FDI frigates, supported by Greek defense manufacturers.

Italy's Fincantieri and Indonesia's Republikorp have entered into a collaboration agreement for the production of amphibious units, frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels, and submarines.

Significant delays in the construction of ASW frigates and a lack of information have caused considerable dissatisfaction within the Dutch Parliament.

Thales has signed a €248.6 million contract with the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDAEE) for the upgrade of the Greek Navy's HYDRA class frigates, opening the way for the participation of the Greek ecosystem in the project.

An opinion piece argues that Sweden has the opportunity to build a naval capability that could provide a direct advantage in future conflicts, urging against getting stuck in a simplified debate about frigates or drones.

The delivery of new frigates to the Belgian navy is delayed, raising concerns that the Defense could temporarily be without these vessels, according to De Morgen.

Sweden is investing more money than Finland in frigates to secure the Baltic Sea, with experts noting Finland did not buy a "cheap version," as both respond to Russia's weakened security situation.

French Naval Group announced its readiness to deliver frigates to Sweden on schedule, highlighting fast deliveries as a key reason for Sweden's selection of the company.

Sweden is planning to purchase four military frigates from France. The deal is estimated to be worth several billion dollars, enhancing Sweden's naval capabilities.

Sweden has officially confirmed its order for four new frigates from the French company Naval Group, a deal reportedly worth over $4 billion, marking a significant investment in strengthening Sweden's naval capabilities and Baltic defense.

Greece's Governmental Council for National Security (KYSEA) has approved the process for acquiring Italian FREMM Bergamini-class frigates, moving Athens to the next stage in strengthening its navy.

Greece's Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) has given the green light for the acquisition of Italian Bergamini frigates and the return of Patriot missile batteries from Didymoteicho and Karpathos, aiming to bolster the armed forces.

Babcock, a defense contractor, is facing a £140 million financial hit due to necessary reworks on new Royal Navy warships. The company is responsible for delivering five frigates from its manufacturing site in Rosyth, Fife.

German shipbuilding company TKMS is confidently anticipating several large orders for submarines and frigates this year, including a significant contract from Canada, and is already assessing its production capacities.

A crucial €19 million contract with Skaramangas Shipyards for the maintenance of the Hellenic Navy's MEKO-class frigates (HYDRA, SPETSAI, PSARA, SALAMIS) is set to be approved by the Greek Parliament.

Huntington Ingalls Industries has been awarded a $282.9 million contract to provide support work for Navy frigates.

The Hellenic Navy's agreements for the upgrade of its MEKO-class frigates are reportedly in an advanced stage.

The Hellenic Navy is reportedly close to acquiring two Italian Bergamini frigates, while Turkey's President Erdogan is seeking a reliable anti-ballistic defense system.

Japan has reportedly finalized its largest postwar defense deal, involving the sale of frigates to Australia, a move experts suggest could jeopardize regional security.

The Greek frigate Kimon departed Cyprus following its deployment, while the frigate Elli left port in Greece en route to Cyprus, amidst heightened regional security concerns.

The arrival of four Greek F-16s and frigates at the British Bases in Cyprus is seen as a 'game changer,' shifting the political landscape after a drone incident on March 1st.

According to VG's information, the government will stick to Norway acquiring five new frigates from Great Britain.

Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis stated that Greece deployed frigates and fighter jets to Cyprus solely to protect British military bases on the island, rather than to safeguard the Cypriot population.

The navies of China and Vietnam have added live-fire drills to future joint training – marking a deepening of military cooperation as Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam hailed relations with Beijing as a “top priority”. Naval commanders from both sides held a courtesy meeting on Monday at Fangcheng port in southern China’s Guangxi, as Vietnamese frigates Tran Hung Dao (hull number 015) and Ly Thai To (012) arrived to join PLA Navy vessels for their 40th joint patrol and training...

Greece's Deputy Minister of National Defense, Thanasis Davakis, denied reports of Greek frigates cooperating with Israeli forces in the Middle East conflict, emphasizing that Greek weapons are not used for aggressive actions.

Caution on sending our frigates, siding with Merz. Call with EU partners. The prime minister calls for a stop to carbon taxation. And she scolds ministers in chat.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Sunday said it would be “unforgivable” for Greece to turn its back on Cyprus “at such a difficult time”, after deploying four fighter jets and two frigates to…

Ukraine's General Staff confirmed that two vessels of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov frigates, sustained damage in Novorossiysk.

Greece immediately strengthened Cyprus’ defense by sending the frigates “Kimon” and “Psara”, along with fighter aircraft The post Cyprus’ defense strengthened: Which countries are sending military…

Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias stated that the presence of four F-16s and two frigates can provide excellent security to the Republic of Cyprus, emphasizing Greece's protection.

Greece is bolstering Cyprus's air defense capabilities by deploying 'Centaur' and Aster 30 systems on frigates, along with F-16s, to create a protective shield against aerial attacks.

Cyprus has expressed gratitude to the Greek government for its swift response in sending frigates and F-16 fighter jets to the island, following a phone call between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Christodoulidis.

Greece has deployed frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus in response to rising security tensions in the region, signaling a heightened state of readiness.

The Philippines cannot afford an aircraft carrier, could not sustain one if it had it and, according to most analysts, does not need one. What it needs is messier, cheaper and harder to photograph, they say: a web of missiles, patrol boats, frigates and surveillance assets designed not to project power, but to deny it. Two recent developments have made that choice harder to ignore. Last month, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr openly mused that an aircraft carrier with “accompanying...

Friedrich Merz delivered a government statement on the current political situation in Germany, addressing the recent NATO meeting and reform decisions, with discussions also covering the approval of new frigates.

Skaramagas Shipyards will undertake the modernization of the Hellenic Navy's MEKO-type frigates, following the signing of a relevant contract with the Ministry of National Defense.

The German government has announced the cancellation of an €18 billion deal to build six frigates, which was previously planned with Dutch shipbuilder Damen.

Dutch shipbuilder Damen has faced a significant setback after the German government cancelled an €18 billion order for frigates, impacting the company's financial outlook.

The new Belharra frigates joining the Hellenic Navy are named "Nearchos" and "Phormion," honoring two legendary figures from ancient Greek naval history.

Canada is sending two frigates and a submarine to the Rimpac multinational naval exercise, a move seen by analysts as both a display of Indo-Pacific commitment and a response to Washington's 'freeriding' accusations.

The Indian Navy is set to significantly boost its fleet this month by inducting five indigenously-built naval platforms, including two stealth frigates, a survey vessel, and two anti-submarine warfare crafts.

A second contract has been signed with Ssmart, moving the Hellenic Navy's MEKO frigate modernization program closer to implementation, with Skaramangas shipyard being the next stop.

Greece's Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense has finalized plans for the modernization of MEKO frigates, the procurement of Italian Bergamini-class frigates, and the acquisition of Link 22 and LLC-7M encryption systems.

Sweden and France have become privileged defense partners, with Stockholm announcing plans to acquire four defense and intervention frigates from the French company Naval Group. This order highlights growing strategic ties, facilitated by Sweden's recent accession to NATO.

Radio Sweden provides a round-up of the day's main headlines, including Sweden's purchase of French frigates, a murder verdict in Danderyd, the national ice hockey team's losing streak, and a 42-year wait for rental housing.

Saab experienced a significant setback as the Swedish government opted to purchase new frigates from France's Naval Group in a multi-billion dollar deal, though Saab will still supply equipment for the vessels.

Debaters Rutger Brattström and Martin Boldt-Christmas argue that Sweden's order for new Luleå-class frigates risks being a monumental misinvestment.

The Swedish navy is set to acquire frigates from France in a deal described as the largest defense investment since the Gripen fighter jet.

According to reports, a decision has been made concerning the acquisition of frigates.

Athens is moving towards the final acquisition of 2+2 Italian FREMM frigates of the Bergamini class, following approval from the Governmental Council for National Security on May 18.

The US Navy's latest 30-year shipbuilding roadmap includes plans for a nuclear-powered battleship, unlike traditional destroyers and frigates, which will also carry futuristic weapons.

Rheinmetall's naval division has submitted a €12 billion offer to take over the manufacturing of six frigates for the German navy, aiming to rescue the troubled warship project.

Greece is moving forward with a deal to acquire FREMM frigates, bolstering its naval capabilities and defense strategy.

Initial tests of the Camcopter S-100 drones, intended for Greek frigates, have been successfully completed in France, confirming their suitability for operational use and paving the way for integration into the FDI frigates being built for Greece.

Saab is looking to participate in discussions regarding the new fighter jets Portugal's Air Force will purchase to replace its F-16s, and is already negotiating to install new missile systems on Navy frigates.

Australia and Japan have finalized a deal worth approximately $6.5 billion for the procurement of three Mogami-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is set to supply the warships under this agreement.

Japan and Australia have reached an agreement for Japan to supply Australia with its first high-tech frigate, part of a deal for approximately ten vessels over the next decade.

Germany is undertaking its largest naval project in history, constructing the F126 class frigates, which are set to be the largest warships of their kind globally. The first vessel, "Niedersachsen," is currently under construction.

Greek frigates Kimon and Psara, currently deployed to Cyprus, are scheduled to be replaced next week as Athens intends to maintain a sustained military presence in the Levant region.

The German Bundeswehr appears to have learned from past mistakes with the F-126 frigate project, adopting a more pragmatic approach with the acquisition of four new frigates from a German manufacturer.

PASOK comes second; Androulakis remains “unchanged.” How citizens viewed the expulsion of Konstantinopoulos – Plefsi and Elliniki Lysi are declining – Cross-party support for sending frigates and…

The war in Iran represents an “unprecedented accumulation of field experience” for the crews of Greek frigates and their interaction with the advanced air defense systems of the French naval convoy in the Eastern Mediterranean—a general rehearsal also for building a “European fleet” The post Military Exercises with “Kimon,” Patriots, and Drones appeared first on ProtoThema English.

A Greek official, Davakis, vehemently denied reports that Greek frigates are cooperating with Israel, stating that Israel does not need their operational intelligence in Lebanon or other areas.

By deploying eight frigates and two helicopter carriers in addition to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, our country is preparing to make major strategic choices.

Ukraine's General Staff has confirmed that two frigates of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov, were damaged in a strike on the naval base in Novorossiysk.

Greece has sent frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, setting an example for other countries to create a protective dome, according to Deputy Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias stated that Cyprus can now feel safe from Iranian fire after Greece deployed two frigates and four fighter jets to the island following an Iranian-made drone strike.

Greek Minister Dendias announced increased security measures, including the deployment of frigates HS Kimon and HS Psara, along with four F-16s, to provide security for Cyprus.

Discussions about sending Greek frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus are causing internal friction within SYRIZA, particularly following a joint statement by Giannis Ragousis and Giannis Mantzouranis.

France is deploying anti-missile and anti-drone defense systems along with two frigates to Cyprus, in direct response to an Iranian drone strike on the British Akrotiri base on the island.

The Greek frigates 'Kimon' and 'Psara' have sailed from Salamis Naval Base for Cyprus, with F-16 pairs stationed in Paphos reported to be operationally ready.

Cyprus is not a target in the regional conflict and has never been one, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis insisted on Monday, as Greece rushed two navy frigates and a pair of F-16 jets to…

Nikos Dendias announced that Greece is sending two frigates and a pair of F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus — the Greek defence minister is heading to Cyprus following talks with Mitsotakis The post Greece…

Greece has ordered the immediate deployment of a significant military force to the Republic of Cyprus following strikes on the island and a deteriorating regional security situation.

Sunday newspaper headlines in Greece on March 1, 2026, feature topics such as Greece's integration into Europe's nuclear umbrella, a defense agreement with the US and South Korea for frigates, and internal news on the selection of 29,000 department heads.

Germany's parliamentary budget committee has approved a multi-billion-euro order for marine builder TKMS to purchase at least four frigates for the navy.

A contract has been signed between Skaramangas Shipyards and the Greek Ministry of National Defense for the upgrade of the capabilities of MEKO-type frigates belonging to the Hellenic Navy.

The year 2026 is a milestone for the Hellenic Navy, with the third FDI frigate, 'FORMION,' having begun its sea trials, marking significant deliveries of frigates produced by Naval Group.

The Hellenic Navy is set to undergo a significant modernization in 2026 with the arrival of the new frigates 'Nearchos' and 'Formion.' This marks a new era for the naval force, enhancing its capabilities.

Bergur Løkke, son of Denmark's former Prime Minister, is facing criticism for advising a British arms manufacturer. The company is attempting to secure a multi-billion-kroner order for Danish frigates.

Naval Group has signed two new contracts with Greek companies for the FDI Belharra frigates program, further strengthening industrial cooperation.

New Zealand's Defense Minister Chris Penk stated that a decision on acquiring Japan's Mogami-class frigates will be made by the end of 2027, with interoperability with Australia being a key factor.

A contract worth 249 million euros was signed with Thales for the modernization of the Hellenic Navy's MEKO type frigates.

A podcast discusses whether French frigates are a necessary choice for Swedish defense or a potential misinvestment, weighing the pros and cons for the country's military strategy.

Sweden is significantly strengthening its air defense and submarine hunting capabilities with the purchase of new frigates, extending its reach beyond its own waters.

Sweden plans to order four frigates from French company Naval Group in a $4 billion contract, tripling its air defense capacity as the new NATO member focuses on security threats in the Baltic Sea.

Sweden has chosen French navy frigates in a €3.7 billion deal, deepening defense cooperation between the two countries and marking a setback for the UK's Babcock, as Europe boosts military spending.

Sweden's Commander-in-Chief states that four new frigates, costing at least 40 billion, will triple the capacity of the Swedish air defense, emphasizing the importance of daring technological shifts for future strengthening.

Sweden is reportedly taking the next step in its multi-billion-kronor acquisition of large warships, specifically frigates.

Sources indicate that Sweden is in the process of purchasing new frigates as part of a multi-billion dollar defense acquisition.

The KYSEA (Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence) has given the green light for the acquisition of two Bergamini frigates for the Greek navy, following a briefing on regional developments.

Japan's Defense Minister Koizumi expressed optimism about deepening defense cooperation with New Zealand, offering to provide necessary information as New Zealand considers Japan's "Mogami-class" frigates as a candidate for its new warships.

The Royal Navy warship HMS Iron Duke has been quietly withdrawn from service, stripped of its weapons and sensors, leaving Britain with only five active frigates.

South Korea has presented an offer to build new frigates for the Danish Navy, promising faster and more cost-effective construction compared to European competitors, though potential issues are being…

UK defense company Babcock is rapidly constructing Type 31 frigates at Rosyth, offering a more cost-effective solution to fill a critical gap in the Royal Navy's fleet.

Germany's largest and most expensive military project since 1945, the construction of four frigates for Baltic defense, has proven to be a fiasco, leading to a major decision for Germany and admissions of mistakes from the Netherlands.

Naval Group is expanding its strategic presence in Greece, with a focus on Salamis Shipyards and METLEN, building on its involvement with the FDI HN frigates program for the Hellenic Navy.

An unauthorized drone was detected near the Toulon naval base in France, where French military frigates, submarines, and other vessels are stationed, leading to the arrest of an individual.

Japan is actively courting Indonesia with offers of eight stealth frigates, a mineral deal, and a state dinner ahead of President Prabowo Subianto's three-day visit to Tokyo, his first trip to Japan.

The German Navy is purchasing off-the-shelf frigates from a German manufacturer, a decision that prompts questions about its implications for broader EU arms policy and standardization.

The Greek Parliament's Armaments Committee has approved a €5 billion defense program, including new air defense systems, anti-drone capabilities, an air dome, and upgrades for F-16 jets and MEKO frigates.

Two weeks after US and Israeli intervention in Iran and days after sending frigates and F-16s to Cyprus, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in an exclusive interview that Greece must be ready for all scenarios if the Iran crisis extends, ruling out early elections or a government reshuffle.

Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis highlighted Greece's swift political and operational response in sending F-16s and frigates to Cyprus, stating it demonstrated Greece's role as a geopolitical pillar of stability during the US-Iran conflict.

The Greek frigate 'Kimon' has departed from Limassol port in Cyprus, as shown in a video released by the Hellenic Navy. The 'Kimon' and 'Psara' frigates are in Cyprus to enhance air defense.

The Dutch government is considering sending the frigate Evertsen to the Eastern Mediterranean, where it would escort the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle on a mission to protect the area around Cyprus, after France's 3rd.

There is unrest in SYRIZA after the joint statement by Ragousis and Mantzouranis in favor of sending frigates to Cyprus, which was interpreted as a jab at Sokratis Famellos, with Koumoundourou...

Two members of SYRIZA-PS's Political Secretariat issue a joint statement emphasizing that sending frigates to Cyprus is an 'unnegotiable national and historical duty for Greece,' crucial for the future of Hellenism.

With the Greek Navy frigates HS Kimon & HS Psara already at sea and all four F-16 Viper fighter jets stationed yesterday at the "A.

Greek frigates 'Kimon' and 'Psara' have sailed for Cyprus, and four F-16s are based in Paphos, as Athens and Nicosia are on increased readiness following attacks involving Iranian-origin drones.

The EU has decided against activating Article 42.7 of common defense following attacks on Cyprus, while Greece sends frigates and fighters, and Macron discusses 'nuclear deterrence'.

Greece deploys two naval frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus to strengthen the island's defense after a drone warning that caused eva

Greece decided to send two frigates, two F-16 planes, and a drone defense system to Cyprus, after a British base on the island was attacked.

Two unmanned aerial vehicles moving towards British Bases in Akrotiri, Cyprus, were intercepted. Greece is sending two frigates and F-16 jets in response.

The Royal Navy's new Type 31 frigates have achieved significant construction milestones, with HMS Active being rolled out of the build hall and the first steel cut for HMS Bulldog.