An inauguration ceremony for the Hellenic Navy’s four new Island-class coastal patrol boats took place on Monday at Salamis Shipyards.
Two of the boats have already completed sea trials, with their crews currently undergoing certification training, while the remaining two are set to begin trials soon.
These Island-class vessels will primarily conduct patrols in the eastern Aegean, focusing on the areas around the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Kos.
The four vessels were acquired from surplus US Coast Guard inventory, arriving in Greece in July 2023.
Their transportation and restoration cost approximately €42 million (US$44 million), with all refurbishment work carried out at Salamis Shipyards.
Despite being over 30 years old, the Island-class boats represent a significant upgrade, replacing the aging Nasty-class patrol boats currently in service with the Hellenic Navy.
In his address, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and ensuring the Greek Navy’s presence extends beyond the Aegean to include the Eastern Mediterranean.