Two Italian Navy FREMM frigates are on their way to Greece. The vessels in question are the Carlo Bergamini and the Virginio Fasan, both of which were built by Fincantieri as part of the FREMM programme.

Greece is set to receive two Italian Navy FREMM frigates from Italy. The vessels involved are the Carlo Bergamini and the Virginio Fasan, both of which were built by Fincantieri as part of the FREMM programme. According to estimates reported in the Greek press, the deal is valued at around €460 million. The official transfer process is set to kick off on 8 September, when the implementing agreement between Italy and Greece is set to be signed in Rome. The ceremony is expected to be attended by Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, and the heads of their respective navies. The agreement will outline the financial, technical and legal aspects of the transfer, as well as the support arrangements for the two ships after they are handed over.

The delivery will not coincide with the signing.

The delivery will not coincide with the signing. The Carlo Bergamini, a general-purpose frigate, is expected to come under Greek control in the first half of 2028. As for the Virginio Fasan, which specialises in anti-submarine warfare, the transfer is scheduled for the first half of 2029. These operations are part of the Italian fleet renewal process: the two FREMM ships will be replaced in the Italian Navy by new 'FREMM Evo' units, enabling Rome to maintain the size of its frigate force while Athens strengthens its naval capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Related: Fincantieri launches the next-generation offshore patrol vessel, Ugolino Vivaldi.

 Step towards strengthening Greece's surface fleet

For Greece, this represents another step towards strengthening its surface fleet. The two Italian FREMM frigates will join the new French-built frigates that have already been ordered by Athens, thereby enhancing the capabilities of the Hellenic Navy in terms of air defence, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Furthermore, the agreement concerning the initial two vessels forms part of a wider arrangement that allows for the subsequent transfer of an additional two Italian FREMMs to Greece.

Related : Fincantieri nears major Portuguese contract: €3 billion for FREMM vessels

The longevity of Fincantieri-built FREMMs

From an industrial perspective, the programme also highlights the longevity of Fincantieri-built FREMMs, which are designed to remain operational for many years after their initial entry into service. The Carlo Bergamini entered the Italian Navy in 2013, and the Virginio Fasan was delivered the same year, before being selected for transfer to the Greek fleet.

#Greek fleet # Fincantieri #Hellenic Navy #The Carlo Bergamini #FREMM frigates #Italian Navy #Virginio Fasan #Italian Defence Minister#Guido Crosetto # Virginio Fasan