Hellenic Navy to Acquire Multi Mission Surface Combatant Warships from US

The Hellenic Navy has proposed the promotion of a transnational agreement for the purchase of American Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) frigates.

The contract will include the supply of four MMSC frigates, the upgrade of four MEKO-type frigates, intermediate solution ships and the participation of Greek shipyards in the development of the new American FFG(X) type frigate, Greek publication Kathimerini reported.

The plan essentially envisions the creation of a naval force by 2030, which if combined with the supply of MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, will have a mainly American slant.

Visit: SAHA EXPO, TURKEY -VIRTUAL AEROSPACE & DEFENCE EXHIBITION

Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) frigate

The MMSC is based on the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship’s 118 meter hull, and will utilize the same combined diesel and gas propulsion system. The vessel has a range of 5,000 nautical miles and can reach speeds in excess of 30 knots. It utilizes the COMBATSS-21 Combat Management System, built from the Aegis Combat System Software library.  The MMSC integrated combat system solution leverages the domestic LCS integration of the 57mm Mk110 deck gun and SeaRAM, and expands multi-mission capability through integration of Over-The-Horizon surface-to-surface missiles, port and starboard 20 mm remote guns, a new fire control radar and a forward centerline 8 cell MK 41 Vertical Launch System equipped with RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles. The MMSC is also equipped with the AN/SLQ-25 Torpedo Defense system.

According to the U.S. Navy, the planned next-generation FFG(X) frigate will have "multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare and information operations." The ship would have at least 32 vertical launching system cells and an AEGIS-based combat system.