The Greek government has begun considering the possible acquisition of additional newbuild warships in the wake of new developments in Turkey's own naval shipbuilding program as well as prevailing geopolitical challenges.
Senior Hellenic Navy officials have started to evaluate possible contenders that will form the bulk of the service's surface combat fleet.
The navy has already presented parliament with a proposal to acquire new warships to ensure a fleet of 16 main vessels will be operational within the next ten years.
The newer vessels will replace the Hellenic Navy's nine remaining Elli-class frigates, some of which have been in service since the late 1970s.
Among the ship designs being considered are the US Navy's Constellation-class frigate and the European Union's Multi Modular Patrol Corvette (MMPC), formerly known as the European Patrol Corvette.
As an interim measure pending the arrival of the new vessels, the Hellenic Navy has begun upgrading its four Hydra-class frigates.
The US State Department had earlier expressed its intent to supply Greece with ex-US Navy Freedom-class littoral combat ships. However, the proposal was criticised by Greek Defense Minister Mikos Dendias due to the State Department's proposal to transfer the Freedom-class ships without first ensuring that their propulsion systems have been repaired.