Greece and Italy signed an agreement in Rome on Tuesday for Greece to acquire two Italian FREMM frigates for €460 million, deepening defense cooperation between the two NATO allies.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto attended the signing of the implementing agreement between the countries’ defense procurement authorities. Greece’s top military officer, General Dimitrios Houpis, and Navy chief Vice Admiral Dimitrios Kataras also attended.

The two Bergamini-class frigates, the Carlo Bergamini and the Fasan, are scheduled to be transferred to Greece in the first half of 2028 and the first half of 2029, respectively, Dendias said.

The deal is part of a broader effort to strengthen defense and maritime cooperation between Greece and Italy in the Mediterranean. Dendias said Greece is also discussing the possible acquisition of two additional FREMM frigates.

He said the two countries share an interest in securing maritime routes, protecting commercial and energy flows and maintaining regional stability.

Dendias also said Greek shipyards and defense companies would be involved in adapting the frigates for Greek requirements. He described the industrial cooperation as an important part of Greece’s long-term defense modernization strategy, aimed at retaining expertise and strengthening domestic defense production.

Source: Ekathimerini.com