Greece has signed an agreement to acquire two Italian FREMM frigates of the Bergamini class, as Athens moves forward with plans to renew and strengthen the Hellenic Navy’s fleet.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias signed the agreement in Rome during an official ceremony attended by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
The two ministers are also expected to discuss European defense, security developments and stability in the Mediterranean region.
The signing of the implementing agreement formally activates the program for acquiring the two ships and forms part of Greece’s broader effort to modernize its naval forces.
Two frigates for the Greek fleet
The two Bergamini-class frigates will become part of Greece’s plan to establish a modern and powerful core of major surface combatants.
The ships are approximately 144 meters long and have a displacement of about 6,700 tons. They are equipped with modern electronic systems, advanced sensors and significant operational capabilities.
The two frigates have different original configurations.
The Carlo Bergamini is configured for general-purpose operations and has strong air-defense capabilities.
The Virginio Fasan is configured for anti-submarine warfare, with a particular emphasis on submarine-hunting operations.
NEW YORK (May 24, 2023) The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and the Italian navy frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) transit New York Harbor during the Fleet Week New York parade of ships, May 24, 2023. Along with U.S. service members, naval assets from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy are present to promote international partnerships. Fleet Week New York, now in its 35th year, is a time-honored sea service celebration that allows citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State Region to witness today’s maritime capabilities first-hand. The 2023 celebration will host nearly 3,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James D. Mullen)
Under Greece’s current planning, both ships are expected to have their anti-submarine capabilities strengthened. The possibility of equipping them with cruise missiles is also a key part of the planning.
Greece’s goal of a 10-ship core fleet
The acquisition of the two Italian frigates is part of Athens’ plan to establish a core fleet of 10 modern major surface combatants.
The fleet is expected to comprise:
- Four French FDI Belharra frigates
- Four MEKO-class frigates following their modernization
- Two Italian Bergamini-class frigates
The plan is intended to create a more modern and effective navy with enhanced capabilities in air defense, anti-submarine warfare and long-range operations.
More ships could follow
The agreement between Greece and Italy is not limited exclusively to the acquisition of the two frigates.
The framework of the cooperation leaves open the possibility of purchasing additional ships in the future, depending on Greece’s operational requirements and fiscal capabilities.
The prospect gives the Greek-Italian defense relationship a broader dimension as Athens seeks both to strengthen the operational capabilities of its armed forces and expand its cooperation in the European defense sector.
