The Hellenic Navy Modernizes with Italian FREMMs

An important industrial and strategic cooperation agreement has been finalized between Italy and Greece, which includes the transfer of two FREMM multi-role frigates (European Multi-Mission Frigate) currently in service with the Italian Navy, to the benefit of the Hellenic Navy.

The agreement, signed by the respective National Armaments Directorates, saw the central role of Fincantieri in this operation.

Key Details of the Agreement

• Units Involved: The preliminary agreement concerns the transfer of two Italian FREMM frigates. Sources indicate that the ships of interest would be the Carlo Bergamini and the Virginio Fasan.
• Option for Additional Units: The agreement includes the possibility for Greece to option the acquisition of two more FREMM units by the middle of the next decade, bringing the potential total to four frigates.
• Role of Fincantieri: The shipbuilding group is the crucial intermediary for the transfer and modernization, reaffirming its centrality in strengthening industrial cooperation between allied countries and supporting the international projection of Italian Defense.
• Advantage for Greece: The FREMM frigates, considered among the most advanced naval units in the world and relatively young, will provide a significant quality leap to the Hellenic Navy, replacing the older S-class frigates.
• Renewal of the Italian Fleet: The transfer of existing ships is linked to the forecast of new orders for the Italian Navy, ensuring the maintenance and modernization of the national fleet.

Statements and Strategic Context

The agreement was announced on the sidelines of important defense sector events and was enthusiastically welcomed by political and industrial leaders.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, emphasized: "Ships must be built and then preserved over time. We have learned this over time and this is also available to Greece." He also stressed that the alliance is "desired in geopolitical terms."

This deal not only strengthens the bilateral cooperation between Rome and Athens but also consolidates Italy's and Fincantieri's position as a reference point in European shipbuilding and in supporting the defense needs of allied countries. The acquisition of the FREMMs, alongside the new French FDI Belharra frigates and the modernization of the MEKOs, marks the beginning of a new era for the Hellenic Armed Forces.