Greece buys three new French frigates in boost for European defence

Paris: Greece signed a deal with France on Tuesday to buy three new frigates as Paris seeks to bounce back from the loss of a big submarine contract with Australia.

The strategic defence and security cooperation pact signed by the countries' presidents is also part of efforts to increase European military autonomy.

"It contributes to European security, to the strengthening of Europe's strategic autonomy and sovereignty, and thus to international peace and security," French President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.