Greece has signed two agreements with Italy to procure Bergamini-class frigates, with the potential of adding two more vessels in the future.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias formalized the deal alongside his Italian counterpart, highlighting the growing defense collaboration between the two nations.
The agreements mark a significant step in modernizing Greece’s naval capabilities while deepening strategic ties within the European Union and across the Mediterranean.
Strengthening bilateral and regional defense cooperation
The discussions between Greece and Italy also focused on broader cooperation in the defense industry and innovation, underscoring the importance of shared security interests in the Mediterranean region.
The signing ceremony took place aboard an Italian Navy frigate in La Spezia, where Minister Dendias met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to explore opportunities for further development of defense relations between Athens and Rome.
Η δυναμική ανάπτυξης των αμυντικών σχέσεων 🇬🇷-🇮🇹 αποτυπώνεται στο Μνημόνιο Συνεργασίας στον Ναυτικό Τομέα και στη Δήλωση Προθέσεων για την απόκτηση 2+2 ιταλικών φρεγατών τύπου #FREMM, κλάσης Bergamini. pic.twitter.com/PsXfKJiW1O
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) September 29, 2025
Bergamini-Class Frigates: Advanced capabilities
The Bergamini-class frigates form the backbone of the Italian Navy’s modern surface fleet, designed for a wide range of operational missions. Equipped with cutting-edge anti-air, anti-submarine, and surface warfare systems, as well as sophisticated surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities, these ships are built for versatility and long-term operational relevance. With a displacement of approximately 6,700 tons and a length of almost 143 meters (469 feet), they combine endurance with agility that is suited for both national defense and international missions.
The frigates feature stealth-optimized hulls to reduce radar visibility and low-noise propulsion to minimize acoustic signature. Their flight deck and hangar support NH90 helicopters, extending capabilities for surveillance, anti-submarine operations, and search-and-rescue missions.
Armed with Aster 15 and 30 missiles, Otomat anti-ship missiles, and a 76mm main gun, Bergamini-class ships can engage multiple threats simultaneously while maintaining high situational awareness. Designed for extended deployments, they are ideal for NATO missions, multinational task forces, and maritime security operations, showcasing Italy’s modern naval technology.
Συναντήθηκα σε εγκάρδιο κλίμα, με τον Υπουργό Άμυνας της Ιταλίας, @GuidoCrosetto, σε Φρεγάτα του ιταλικού Πολεμικού Ναυτικού, στη La Spezia. Συζητήσαμε με τον ομόλογό μου για τις δυνατότητες περαιτέρω ανάπτυξης των αμυντικών μας σχέσεων.
Συμφωνήσαμε για τη σημασία της… pic.twitter.com/cATrNSHmMx
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) September 29, 2025
Strategic impact for Greece
By acquiring Bergamini-class frigates, Greece enhances its naval strength and operational flexibility, ensuring it remains a key security actor in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The procurement also strengthens defense collaboration with Italy, reinforcing shared interests in regional stability, technological development, and multinational maritime operations.
