On July 2nd and 3rd, 2024, the Hellenic Navy conducted a series of live missile firings, launching nine (9) missiles of five (5) different types, encompassing all the ship-launched guided missiles in its inventory
Notably, certain missile systems, such as HARPOON anti-ship missiles, were used for the first time in 25 years. The last instance was in the autumn of 1999 when the frigate Hydra participated in the NATO exercise BRIGHT STAR, focused on the Eastern Mediterranean.
Based on the photos, information, and video released, a total of thirteen (13) ships participated in the exercises in the wider area of the Ionian Sea, in the presence of the Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras. These included four Elli-class (Kortenaer) frigates (Elli, Limnos, Kountouriotis, and Navarinon), two Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates (Hydra and Spetsai), four Roussen-class (Super Vita) fast attack missile craft (Vlahakos, Karathanasis, Ritsos, and Daniolos), one patrol vessel (a Machitis-class vessel from what appears in the video), and two general support ships. It is likely that one of the support ships was the Prometheus, which can perform a wide range of roles, including launching aerial target drones from its large flight deck. Helicopters (S-70 and the newly acquired MH-60R) from the Naval Aviation Command and aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force also participated in the exercises.
Some of the four Elli-class frigates launched RGM-84 HARPOON SSM (likely the -D- variant, which is more abundant in the inventory compared to the -G- variant) and NSSM (RIM-7P2) SAM while Spetsai launched an ESSM (RIM-162 Block 1) SAM from her Mk-48 Mod 5 VLS. The frigate Hydra accommodated the senior Hellenic Navy officers, including the Chief. The four Roussen-class FACM either launched EXOCET MM40 Block 2 SSM or RIM-116 RAM SAM. Although a photo was released showing an S-70 helicopter armed with HELLFIRE missiles, it appears that the helicopter did not use its missiles because the targets were already sunk.
According to the Navy, all guided missiles were successfully tested in complex and demanding surface and air threat scenarios. The surface firings resulted in the sinking of the two designated targets: a former S148-class missile boat (Pezopoulos) and an Asheville-class patrol vessel (Ormi), as evidenced by photos published in various media and pages in 2023 and 2024.
The Navy’s inventory currently includes two S148-class boats. Maridakis remains in service with the Fast Patrol Boat Command, while Votsis, lacking missile systems, serves in the Surveillance Vessels Command as a patrol vessel alongside the sole Asheville-class patrol vessel, Tolmi. There is a strong likelihood that Maridakis will soon join their ranks.
The missile test of all the weapons in the Greek Fleet’s inventory within 48 hours in the same area is taking place for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the Naval Command. The aforementioned activity is part of the annual operational training program of the Fleet Headquarters units, aimed at evaluating and enhancing the combat capability and operational readiness of the participants. From these missile firings conducted under challenging scenarios and adverse weather conditions, the Navy staff undoubtedly drew valuable conclusions about the effectiveness of the units and their weapons.
