Greek and Israeli Shipyards signed a cooperation agreement for the Themistocles-class corvette

ONEX Neorion Shipyards of Greece and Israel Shipyards signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of the Themistocles-class corvette during Greek Prime Minister’s visit to Israel on June 16, the Greek Company announced. The first step in this agreement will be the co-production of the Themistocles corvette, in addition to the agreement signed last week, there is a verbal agreement for the construction of six more corvettes which is expected to be announced soon.

The construction part of the works will be carried out by ONEX Neorion Shipyards. It is also noted that ONEX and Israel Shipyards are working closely together to promote the Themistocles corvette in the international market, at a later stage.

The project will proceed with the full support of the United States. As stressed by the commercial attaché of the American Embassy, Keith Silver, speaking in February at a joint event organized by the ONEX and Israel Shipyards Syros, “the investment ONEX of building on a long history of Greek-US ties in the shipping industry and the US The government sees investment in Neorio as a major US investment, strategically, commercially and symbolically. “

In February 2020 ONEX Neorion Shipyards and Israel Shipyards proceeded with a contract for the co-production and co-development of vessels. The agreement between ONEX Neorion Shipyards and Israel Shipyards was accepted as a positive and symbolic development which is part of the overall framework for strengthening Greece’s cooperation and strategic relationship with Israel.

Themistocles-class corvette:

The new design of the Themistocles Corvette brings next-generation operational capabilities to future naval warfare. It is a multipurpose vessel at the length of 72 meter and full displacement of about 800 tons. This new corvette will also reach the speed of above 30kn with an extended endurance. It can operate a medium size marine helicopter but also supports unique possibilities of deploying Special Forces units.

Themistocles can accomodate advanced weapon configurations including;

• Launchers for anti-missiles defense missiles
• Surface-to-surface missiles launchers
• Up to 76 mm Naval gun
• Remotely controlled stabilized Naval gun system up to 30mm
• Command and Control system
• ESM & ECM
• Advanced Multifunction Search Radar
• Heavy machine guns – 0.5” / 7.62mm
• Advanced day and night vision system

Key specifications :

• Length Overall: 72 m
• Beam, Molded: 10.25 m
• Draught: 2.92 m
• Flight Deck: 10 × 15.3 m
• Displacement: Abt. 800 tons
• Engines: 2×MTU 16V1163M94
• Max. Speed: Above 30 Knots
• Sustained Speed: 28 Knots
• Cruising Speed: 12-18 Knots
• Range: Above 5000 NM (at 12 Knots)
• Endurance: 21 Days
• Crew : 45 + 20 special force crew

Missions of Themistocles corvette include;

• Open Sea Patrolling and Surveillance operations
• Maritime Sovereignty protection
• Off-Shore facilities protection
• EEZ protection
• Anti-terror/ smuggling /illegal activities interdiction
• Minimize illegal immigration transits
• Search and Rescue operations in coordination with SAR Helicopters
• Participation in Naval combat operations
• Fishing protection and control
• Support of boarding/landing and intervention forces
• Sea Pollution containment activities