Foinikas
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Athens, Rome finalize frigate deal
27.08.2026 • 12:47
- Greece is finalizing an agreement with Italy to acquire two FREMM Bergamini-class frigates, part of a broader naval buildup that will give the Hellenic Navy at least 13 major surface combatants by 2030.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias will sign the implementing arrangement with Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Rome on September 8. The first frigate, Carlo Bergamini, is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2028, followed by Virginio Fasan in the first half of 2029.
The cost for both vessels is not expected to exceed €460 million. A support contract will be signed, alongside plans for domestic industrial participation.
Officials are weighing replacing anti-ship missiles with either Harpoons from retiring frigates or costlier Exocet missiles. The FREMMs carry Aster 30 air-defense missiles, matching the Navy’s FDI frigates, while Virginio Fasan is equipped with CAPTAS-4 sonar.
Further modernization covers MEKO frigates, submarines and missile boats.
On Monday, August 31, the head of the General Directorate of Defense Investments and Armaments (GDAEE), Major General Ioannis Bouras, will travel to Israel and sign with his counterpart at the Israeli SIBAT, the agreement worth 3.01 billion euros for the supply of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems. The contract will also include an "option" of 2 billion euros, which will concern the supply of additional interceptor missiles
Sources:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1313484/athens-rome-finalize-frigate-deal/
Source:
Kathimerini,Defencepoint
Kathimerini,Defencepoint
