Greece and France have set a target to renew and expand their landmark strategic defense partnership by June 2026, aiming to lock in a new five-year term that deepens military and diplomatic ties between the two NATO allies.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, finalized the roadmap during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the delivery ceremony for the frigate Kimon.
According to diplomatic sources, Athens and Paris are negotiating the inclusion of additional clauses to the revised agreement.
These updates would bolster the existing mutual defense framework—originally signed in 2021—which contains a historic clause committing each nation to military assistance if the other is attacked.
Mr. Dendias and Ms. Vautrin also agreed to establish specialized working groups to enhance collaboration under the SAFE 1 and SAFE 2 programs.
These initiatives focus on civil protection and crisis management, with the ministers pledging to develop a framework of "mutual understanding" regarding the potential participation of third countries.
"This extension is about adapting our alliance to a rapidly changing security environment," a ministry official said.
The move to prolong the pact comes as Greece integrates French-made hardware into its arsenal, including the new Belharra-class frigates and Rafale fighter jets.
The 2026 timeline aligns with the arrival of the Kimon in Greek waters, symbolizing the operational maturity of the strategic partnership.
By securing a five-year horizon, both governments aim to insulate their defense cooperation from political cycles, ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean at a time of persistent regional volatility.