Greece gets fourth fast attack boat

ATHENS, Greece, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Greek navy has taken delivery of its fourth BAE Systems-made fast attack boat, official in Athens say.

The HS Grigoropoulos marks the latest of the class of seven 203-foot vessels built by BAE Systems in conjunction with Elefsis Shipyards of Greece.

Under a long-standing agreement aimed at bolstering transfer of technology programs, BAE Systems is the design authority and major subcontractor of the specific project. The company also provided on-site engineering support to the Hellenic Shipyards and has invested in state of the art manufacturing facilities to boost industrial output in Greece, a country with a tradition in shipping expertise.

"This is a significant achievement in the program, which reflects the hard work, commitment and fantastic partnership between BAE Systems and Elefsis Shipyards to deliver these highly capable ships to the Hellenic Navy," said Alan Johnston, managing director at BAE Systems' Surface Ships division.

"This approach to partnerships shows the strength that BAE Systems can bring to navies and industrial partners around the world as they look for cost-effective solutions to boost their capabilities to meet future naval requirements."

HS Grigoropoulos has exceeded all of its specified performance criteria in a series of platform and weapons trials leading to acceptance by the Greek navy.

Defense Talk reported that the fast attack craft is designed as a high-speed, multirole platform that can operate in both anti-air and surface combat situations.

"Used by the Hellenic Navy as a high speed interception and offshore patrol craft, its extensive weapon fit on a compact hull delivers an economic solution to surveillance, intelligence gathering, patrol, interdiction and engagement of enemy forces," the report said.

This is the fourth vessel to be delivered of an order of seven.

The contract was originally signed with VT Group 10 years ago but the company has since then been absorbed into the BAE Systems empire.

BAE Systems is a global, defense, security and aerospace company employing more than 100,000 experts worldwide. Last year it reported sales of about $36 billion.

With endless miles of coastline, the boats have been used for fending off illegal migration, spilling into Greece from neighboring Turkey.

Meantime, a major deal for the United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi MAR Group to buy Hellenic Shipyards -- also known as Skaramanga -- appeared to be sinking amid failure to settle several outstanding debts that still burden the shipbuilding facility.

Greece is in the grips of its worst economic recession in 16 years, with the government grappling to slash its deficit, estimated at nearly 15 percent of the gross domestic product, to less than 3 percent by 2012.