Hellenic Navy Commissions Four Upgraded Island-Class Patrol Boats

The Hellenic Navy has officially inaugurated its four new Island-class coastal patrol boats during a ceremony held at the Salamis Shipyards this Monday.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias highlighted the government’s dedication to modernizing the armed forces, particularly extending the Greek Navy’s operational reach from the Aegean Sea into the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Named to honor four heroes of the Hellenic Navy, the vessels include R197 Mantouvalos, R198 Galanis, R288 Liaskos, and R289 Gialopsos. Two of these boats have already successfully completed their sea trials, with crew members currently undergoing certification training. The remaining two are expected to begin their trials shortly. The primary mission of these Island-class boats will be to patrol the eastern Aegean, especially the regions around Lesbos, Chios, Samos, and Kos.

Acquired from the US Coast Guard’s surplus inventory, these vessels arrived in Greece in July 2023. The transportation and refurbishment costs amounted to around €42 million, with restoration efforts performed at the Salamis Shipyards. Despite being over three decades old, the Island-class boats signify a major enhancement over the older NASTY-class patrol boats they are replacing in the Hellenic Navy fleet.