Greece is moving closer to acquiring 2+2 Italian FREMM frigates of the Bergamini class, widely regarded as highly effective anti-submarine warfare vessels.
Athens and Rome have already signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on naval collaboration and a Letter of Intent for the acquisition of the ships.
The next step involves signing the final contracts, with Defence Minister Nikos Dendias stating that negotiations are expected to conclude by April. Dendias recently visited La Spezia, Italy, accompanied by Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Eleftherios Kataras, where he confirmed the vessels are in excellent condition and possess advanced operational capabilities.
The decision to pursue the Bergamini-class frigates represents one of the most significant steps in modernising the Hellenic Navy following the order of French FDI (Belh@rra) frigates. The Navy faces pressure to replace ageing Elli-class (S-type) frigates with modern platforms capable of operating alongside newer vessels without the high cost and long construction timelines required for newly built ships.
With a displacement exceeding 6,000 tonnes, the Bergamini-class ships provide strong operational endurance and naval presence across the Eastern Mediterranean. The vessels are internationally recognised for their advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities, supported by cutting-edge sonar systems and extremely quiet propulsion technology, making them particularly effective in detecting submarines.
The frigates are expected to be equipped with the modern ELSA cruise missile system, further strengthening Greece’s sub-strategic strike capabilities alongside the FDI fleet. The upgrade is considered particularly significant in light of Turkey’s ongoing submarine construction programme.
From a financial perspective, acquiring second-hand vessels allows the Hellenic Navy to obtain advanced technology at significantly lower cost compared to newly built ships. Savings could support other major defence programmes, including the modernisation of MEKO 200HN frigates and the acquisition of new submarines.
A key challenge for Athens remains long-term maintenance and logistical support. Greece is seeking agreements ensuring sustained spare parts supply and participation of the domestic defence industry at levels exceeding the proposed 25%. Authorities aim to finalise the agreement by April 2026, enabling the frigates to enter service as early as 2028.
Combined with FDI frigates and the Papanikolis-class submarines, the addition of Bergamini-class vessels is expected to significantly enhance Greece’s naval strength in the Mediterranean.
greekcitytimes.com.
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