Greece Sets Sights on US Coastal Combat Ships
Greece Set to Purchase 4 Second-Hand Freedom Class Coastal Combat Ships from the USA for 150 Million Euros Each
The Greek Navy has announced its plans to procure four Freedom Class Coastal Combat Ships (LCS) from the United States at a unit cost of 150 million euros. These ships will be purchased second hand, providing Greece with an affordable option to enhance its naval capabilities.
The procurement of these ships, totaling 600 million euros, will be covered by the EDA (Supplemental Defense Material) Program. However, it is important to note that the budget does not include any upgrades or modernization of the combat capabilities of the ships. The cost solely covers logistics and engineering studies, providing Greece with operational-ready vessels.
The decision to acquire the Freedom Class LCS has divided the command echelon of the Greek Navy. Some admirals are in favor of the procurement, while others have expressed concerns. A meeting is planned for the Hellenic Navy command to discuss the supply of these ships in the near future.
The Freedom Class Coastal Combat Ships are multipurpose warships utilized by the US Navy. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, these ships are part of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. They are known for their adaptability and flexibility, enabling them to undertake various missions.
With effective defensive capabilities against submarines, surface ships, aircraft, and mines, the Freedom Class ships are designed to combat different threats at sea. Their modular design allows for the incorporation of different weapon and sensor systems, making them versatile in various combat scenarios. Furthermore, their high maneuverability in shallow waters provides a significant advantage, particularly in coastal operations.
Equipped with advanced weapon systems such as Harpoon missiles and the RAM missile defense system, the Freedom Class ships are armed with long-range missiles, cannons, and machine guns. These ships also feature state-of-the-art technologies like sonar, radar, and electro-optical sensors for monitoring and early threat detection.
Currently, the US Navy operates 11 Freedom Class ships, with four more ships under outfitting activities. The first ship of the class, Freedom LCS-1, which entered service in 2008, was decommissioned after 13 years.
The technical specifications of the Freedom Class ships include a length of 121.6 meters, a width of 17.7 meters, a draft of 4.5 meters, and a loaded weight of 4500 tons. They have a maximum speed of 27 knots and a range of 5000 nautical miles at 15 knots with a CODAD (diesel+gas turbine) propulsion system.
The procurement of these second-hand Freedom Class Coastal Combat Ships will provide Greece with an immediate boost to its naval capabilities. With their multipurpose design and advanced weaponry, these ships will contribute to Greece’s efforts to safeguard its territorial waters and maintain maritime security.
Source: DefenseIndustryST.com
