Greece to Acquire Two Italian FREMM Frigates in 2028
Greece and Italy have formally signed an agreement for the Hellenic Navy to acquire two Italian Bergamini-class (FREMM) frigates.
Greece has formally activated its acquisition of two Italian FREMM frigates. The ships are scheduled to enter Hellenic Navy service in 2028 and 2029, according to a new agreement signed on September 8, 2026.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto oversaw the signing of an Implementing Arrangement in Rome. The deal finalises the legal, financial, and technical terms for the transfer of the two Bergamini-class vessels. The agreement also sets the transfer schedule, support arrangements, and provisions for Greek industrial participation in maintenance and systems integration.
The Ships and Their Schedule
The two frigates being transferred are the lead ships of Italy's FREMM class. Both vessels entered service in 2013 and have significant remaining service life.
| Ship Name | Hull Number | Italian Navy Entry | Scheduled Hellenic Navy Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlo Bergamini | F-590 | May 2013 | First half of 2028 |
| Virginio Fasan | F-591 | December 2013 | First half of 2029 |
A Strategic and Cost-Effective Acquisition
The deal became possible as the Italian Navy invests in next-generation FREMM EVO variants. Informed sources cited by Naval News indicate the total cost for both frigates is expected to be below €500 million, likely without ammunition. Greece is reportedly interested in acquiring at least two additional FREMMs in the future.
A larger fleet would help maximise the investment, particularly as the ships introduce Italian-origin systems new to Greece. These include specific gun systems and decoy-launchers. Each 144-meter frigate has twin helicopter hangars and margins for future upgrades.
Weapons and Sensor Integration
The Italian FREMMs share a key air defence system with Greece's future FDI HN frigates. Both types are armed with ASTER 30 missiles launched from SYLVER A50 vertical launch systems. The anti-submarine warfare-configured Virginio Fasan is already equipped with a CAPTAS-4 variable-depth sonar, matching the suite selected for the Greek FDI ships.
Changes are planned for the ships' anti-ship missiles. The currently fitted OTOMAT/TESEO missiles are expected to be replaced by EXOCET missiles from Greek stocks. As an interim solution, HARPOON missiles from decommissioned Elli-class frigates could be installed. The vessels are also slated to receive new communications equipment and the CENTAUR counter-drone system. Installation of a CAPTAS-4 sonar on the general-purpose Carlo Bergamini is under consideration.
Building a Modern Frigate Fleet
By 2030, the Hellenic Navy expects to operate a powerful frigate force. It plans to have four upgraded FDI HN frigates alongside the two acquired FREMMs. Provided modernisation programmes proceed, this core could be joined by updated Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates. Two or three remaining Elli-class frigates may also remain in service.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, stated the transfer 'opens up new opportunities for industrial synergies between Fincantieri and the Greek industrial ecosystem.' He added that it marks 'a first step toward broader integration of skills, technologies, and industrial capabilities among the countries operating the platform.'
