Greece’s Minister of Defence has rejected a proposal to acquire four littoral combat ships (LCS) formerly operated by the US Navy.
During a speech in Parliament on Saturday, December 14, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said the acquisition of four ex-US Navy Freedom-class LCS vessels for operation by the Hellenic Navy was not feasible due to the ships’ reported propulsion-related issues and high repair costs.
The Freedom-class ships were indicated along with other defence materiel in a letter by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken addressed to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The letter had made reference to ships, vehicles, and weapon systems that the United States intends to hand over to Greece.
Mr Dendias pointed out that the letter from Secretary Blinken proposed that the US would hand over four Freedom-class ships without first fixing their propulsion systems, adding that Greece’s acceptance of the ships in such a state would be “absurd.”
Mr Dendias had earlier told local media in February of this year that there was a possibility that Greece will acquire Freedom-class ships from the United States. However, he reiterated that the vessels being proposed still require additional systems and that they will only be regarded as a stopgap measure pending the Greek government’s selection of newer purpose-built surface combatants such as frigates.
The defence minister added that Greece will only accept reliable Freedom-class ships, with no need for conversion or major repairs, to serve as interim frigates for the Hellenic Navy.
Five of the 16 Freedom-class ships have already been retired from US Navy service, including class lead ship USS Freedom.