Greek media react to Türkiye’s new frigate: “Turks build, Greece relies on ready-made solutions”
Recent developments regarding Türkiye’s new TF-2000 air-defense frigate have sparked concern in Greece, where media outlets argue that the Hellenic Navy is weakening while Türkiye’s maritime power continues to expand.
Greek reports emphasize that Türkiye is accelerating domestic ship production, increasing exports, strengthening its economy, and achieving a level of logistical autonomy that Greece lacks. In contrast, the Greek naval fleet is described as shrinking and losing firepower.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense recently announced the start of construction on the first vessel of the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer Project. “The initial block of the first ship has been laid at our Istanbul Shipyard Command. As part of the steel dome, the vessel will be completed as soon as possible and will significantly enhance our air-defense capabilities,” the statement said.
“The Greek Fleet Is Shrinking and Weakening Against Türkiye”
The development received wide coverage in Greece. News outlet Enikos placed the issue on its front page, with journalist Christos Mazanitis criticizing Greece’s defense strategy. He claimed that the Greek fleet is diminishing in comparison to Türkiye’s growing military strength.
“Turks Are Building; Greece Focuses Only on Ready-Made Solutions”
Mazanitis highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing launch of domestically built naval vessels from Istanbul shipyards, contrasting this with Greece’s reliance on off-the-shelf acquisitions despite having shipyards capable of domestic construction. He noted that the “first block of the TF-2000 destroyer has already been built and the program is advancing at a fast pace.”
“Belharra Frigates Will Not Bring Spring to the Mediterranean”
The journalist argued that four FDI Belharra frigates will not be sufficient to shift the balance in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, stating that the Hellenic Navy requires substantial reinforcements. He also criticized delays in replacing aging Greek ships and submarines, noting the absence of a comprehensive modernization program.
Mazanitis further wrote that Türkiye is rapidly building and exporting warships, boosting domestic production, adding value to its economy, and achieving logistical autonomy—while the Greek fleet continues to shrink and lose firepower. He informed Greek readers that the TF-2000 will feature a broad array of domestically produced weapon systems, with the first ship expected to be launched around 2028 and delivered to the Turkish Navy by 2030.
Türkiye’s Parallel Naval Projects
Alongside the TF-2000 program, Türkiye continues to advance multiple maritime projects simultaneously. These include the ADA- and İSTİF-class corvettes and frigates under the MİLGEM project, as well as the HİSAR-class offshore patrol vessels. Türkiye is also collaborating with Spain on the construction of a 300-meter-long aircraft carrier—set to become the largest in Europe.
