https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news...-from-the-u-s/
Greece Closer Than Ever To Procure LCS From The U.S.
The
recent letter from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding the allocation of four Freedom-class LCS (Littoral Combat Ships) to Greece, within the framework of a large-scale equipment package that includes a plethora of systems to enhance or modernize all branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces, confirms in its entirety the longstanding rumors of Greece’s interest in acquiring LCS.
Numerous reports, statements from Greek public figures, defense journalists, and the leadership of the Hellenic Navy (HN) indicated that Greece was actively considering the acquisition of LCS following their retirement from the US Navy. Note that the US Navy plans to retire a large number of the vessels of the class years ahead of the expected end of their service lives, ships which are extremely young by any standards and cost billions to build….
The American vessels will be transferred via the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Office of International Acquisition’s Excess Defense Articles Program (EDA). Greece has already received four Island class cutters and it is about to receive three (3) Protector-class coastal patrol boats, via the same program.
The purpose of the EDA program is to transfer excess defense equipment to foreign governments or international organizations for the modernization of their forces. Excess defense articles provided to partner nation at a reduced price (based on the condition of the equipment) or as a grant. Partner nations pay for packing, crating, handling, and transportation (PCH&T), as well as refurbishment if applicable…
Contemplating the potential acquisition of the 3,500-ton LCS by Greece, a naval design universally labeled as “a beautiful disaster”, “a total mess”, “little crappy ship”, “a scandal” and comparable aliases, by naval officers, experts, politicians, analysts, and journalists worldwide, due to the ships’ limited combat utility, high running costs, and design problems, raises numerous questions:
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- Does the cost include the fixing of the combining gear issue or Greece will have to pay for it?
- Under which terms the ships will be delivered and how much money Greece will pay for the procurement of the ships?
- Which ships Greece will acquire? Those with the TRS-3D and RAM CIWS or those with the TRS-4D, SeaRAM, advanced electronic equipment and stability improvements? Or ships from both variants and how will this affect the logistical support of the ships?
- Will the weapon systems of the vessels (RAM/SeaRAM, 30mm RWS, Mk110, DLS, 24-cell HELLFIRE launcher) and other equipment on board remain or they will be removed upon transfer?
- How would the procurement of LCS impact a prospective shipbuilding program, such as a corvette program or EPC, considering that LCS are expected to serve for at least 30-40 years and will necessitate substantial funds for upgrades?
- How much will it cost to bring those ships into a configuration similar to the GOWIND or FCX30 corvettes which are designed from built as multi-mission ships?
- Note that Freedom class lacks any kind of AAW or ASW capability due to the absence of weapons for that purpose (SAM VLS, TTs) and sensors (FCR, MFR, HMS, MOAS, VDS). Can Greece afford that?
- How the ships will execute ASW roles when the US Navy tested the VDS and it didn’t work as it should, while the ship is considered “noisy as an aircraft carrier”?
- If the US Navy (and even the US Coast Guard), opted to divest itself of the problematic LCS class without identifying a suitable role, how does Greece plan to achieve the contrary?
- Which role will the LCS assume ? That of a frigate, a corvette or an armed offshore patrol vessel?
- Is the HN leadership openly embracing the deal with the LCS, or do they lean towards rejection, even in light of its political nature?
Nevertheless, public discussions present compelling arguments supporting this transfer, including:
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- There are no alternative second-hand units in the market for rapidly reinforcing the ageing Greek Fleet and in low price.
- The antiquated and obsolete frigates of the Elli class require urgent replacement.
- The LCS require a very small crew, almost half of that of a frigate like the Elli class, so they may be the solution to the shortage prevailing in the HN, without though assuming the role of a frigate.
- Their modular design allows them to potentially integrate various systems to support their mission, enabling them to assume the role of a modern corvette at half the cost (thanks to the free transfer).
- These vessels are relatively new constructions equipped with modern technology, demonstrating significant potential.
- There are numerous problems in the Fleet (replacement of mine warfare vessels, support ships, frigates, patrol boats, and most importantly, submarines) but in general in the Hellenic Armed Forces, which cannot be resolved in the coming years as substantial billions are required for such endeavors. Therefore the LCS deal might be a stop-gap solution….