Greece is consolidating its presence in the Mediterranean. €25 billion to strengthen military forces

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that his country will contract for the purchase of two new Bergamini-class frigates, in a move aimed at strengthening the Greek Navy's presence in the Mediterranean.

The Greek Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense also approved a comprehensive modernization project for German-made   Miko frigates, in addition to the development of military encryption systems, as part of an integrated plan to raise the readiness of the naval forces.

Although these deals are still awaiting approval by parliament, New Democracy's majority  makes their passage almost certain.

Advanced negotiations with Italy for the  "Frame" deal

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed in March that Athens is seeking to end negotiations with Rome on the purchase of Italian  frigates "Pergamini" by April.

The move follows a series of maritime understandings between the two countries, which opened the door to the purchase of two frigates with the possibility of adding two later, as part of growing defense cooperation between the two sides.

Billions of euros defense plan

Dendias revealed in April that his country was in talks to acquire two used frigates of the same class, as part of a years-long defense plan that aims to spend about 25 billion euros.

The plan also includes the purchase of new submarines, the development of air defense systems, and the expansion of drone programs, at a time when Greece spends nearly 3 percent of its GDP on defense, double the average spending within the European Union.

Boosting Air Capabilities Through the Black Hawk Deal

In April, Athens agreed to buy 35   UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the American  company Lockheed Martin, worth about 1.15 billion euros.

The deal is a pivotal step in modernizing the military helicopter fleet and enhancing the transport and air support capabilities of the armed forces.

Greece is moving towards rebuilding its military power through a series of successive deals, in an attempt to strengthen its strategic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, and fortify its national security in light of the complex military situation in the region, and with the expansion of naval and air modernization programs, Athens seems determined to consolidate its position as a rising defense force within NATO.