French shipbuilder DCNS is in pole position in the contest to build six antl-alr warfare frigates for the Hellenic Navy, having reportedly seen off competition from Dutch, German and Spanish rivals.rnGreek Defence Minister Vangells Meimarakls announced on 22 January that Athens is to enter negotiations with France over the proposed purchase of FREMM frigates and 15 Super Puma search-and-rescue helicopters.rnDCNS re-announced a teaming arrangement with its Greek partner Elefsis in April 2008, whereby all six ships would be built by Elefsis with DCNS providing weapon system functionality and technology transfer.rnThyssenKrupp Marine Systems offered the MEKO D design developed by one of its subsidiaries, Blohm + Voss, and Dutch shipbuilder Royal Schelde and Spain's Navantia were also expected to enter the competition. The Hellenic Navy has expressed a requirement for up to six frigates, under the Integrated Medium-Term Development and Modernisation Programme.
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