Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin on 25 April 2026 aboard the Hellenic Navy frigate KIMON, during the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Greece.

The meeting highlighted the continuing strategic depth of Greek-French defence relations, with both sides discussing the further strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and the latest security developments in the wider region. The talks were attended by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, and delegations from both countries.

Earlier, Dendias and Vautrin accompanied Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Macron during their visit to the frigate KIMON, a symbol of the close naval and industrial cooperation between Greece and France. The vessel forms part of the broader Hellenic Navy modernisation programme and reflects Athens’ ongoing effort to enhance its maritime capabilities.

Following the visit, Dendias proceeded to the Maximos Mansion, where, in the presence of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Macron, the renewal of the Strategic Partnership Agreement for Cooperation in Defence and Security between Greece and France was signed. The agreement was signed by Dendias, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin and French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad.

The renewal confirms the strong political and defence alignment between Athens and Paris, building on the strategic partnership originally established in 2021. It further underlines the role of France as one of Greece’s key European defence partners, particularly in the fields of naval power, air defence, defence industry cooperation and European security.

Dendias also attended the signing of a Declaration of Intent for cooperation in defence research, development and innovation. The document was signed by Dr. Pantelis Tzortzakis, CEO of the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation, and Nicolas Cordier-Lallouet, Deputy Director of the French Defence Innovation Agency. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in advanced defence technologies, military systems and innovation-driven capabilities.

In addition, a Framework Agreement was signed for the follow-on support of MICA IR/RF missiles, together with the first Executive Contract for 2026 between the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and MBDA France. The agreement was signed by Major General Ioannis Bouras, General Director of Defence Investments and Armaments, and MBDA France CEO Eric Béranger.

The series of agreements reflects the expanding scope of Greek-French defence cooperation, from strategic policy and operational capabilities to missile support, research and defence innovation. At a time of increasing security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, the renewed partnership reinforces the commitment of both countries to a stronger European defence posture and closer bilateral military cooperation.