Athens to bolster defense capabilities with two French frigates

Greece is to acquire two French FREMM-type navy frigates in the coming months, Kathimerini understands, with the vessels expected to be inducted into the Hellenic Navy by August, as part of efforts to boost the country's military capabilities amid rising tensions with Turkey.

The acquisition of the frigates - probably the Languedoc and the Aquitaine - was confirmed after letters were exchanged between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and French President Emmanuel Macron and at the top level of the two countries' militaries.

The decision by France to give Greece the two vessels on a five-year lease is seen as a firm message of support from a country with one of the most capable military forces in Europe. Earlier this week, Macron told the European Parliament that France would protect "any member-country whose sovereignty is being attacked." "It is a position we always have...