Greece is moving closer to acquiring two Italian Bergamini-class frigates as part of a wider effort to modernize the Hellenic Navy and replace ships that have been in service for more than four decades.
The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense, known as KYSEA, approved the acquisition on May 18. Talks with Italy are continuing, with Greek defense officials aiming to complete the agreement for the first two ships in the near term.
Military sources told To Vima the two in-service frigates are expected to cost about 700 million euros, with a possible additional 100 million euros for follow-on support. The agreement is also expected to include an option for two more ships of the same class.
The Italian frigates are being considered as Greece also brings into service its new French-built Belharra frigates. That means the Italian ships would need modifications before delivery so they can ensure interoperability between Italian and French vessels.
Officials are examining changes to weapons, sensors and anti-submarine systems in the Italian frigates. One proposal under discussion is adding the CAPTAS-4 towed sonar system to both Italian ships, the same system used on the Belharra frigates.
The aim, according to defense sources, is not to create identical ships, but to reduce differences in systems, training and operations across the fleet.
The timing for any additional Italian ships would depend on Italy’s own naval replacement schedule. The two later vessels could become available around 2028-2029, after the Italian Navy receives newer FREMM EVO frigates.
