Fincantieri Transfers 2 Italian Navy Frigates to Greece

Italy and Greece signed a preliminary agreement for the transfer of two FREMM frigates from the Italian Navy to the Hellenic Navy during the opening day of the Seafuture exhibition in La Spezia.

The memorandum of cooperation and a declaration of intent were signed on Sept 29 in the presence of Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, and Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy. The signatories were Admiral Giancinto Ottaviani, Director of National Armaments for Italy, and Lieutenant General Ioannis Bouras, head of Greece’s General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments.

The agreement, facilitated through Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, covers two naval units currently in service with the Italian Navy, with the option of acquiring two more at a later stage. A support package will be included in the final contract.

Dendias highlighted the potential for upgrades in cooperation with Fincantieri, including the integration of ELSA missiles, which are also planned for Greece’s French-built Kimon-class frigates.

The discussions took place aboard the Italian Navy FREMM frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598).

Alongside the signing, the two ministers held broader discussions on defence cooperation, including interoperability and joint industrial development.

For Greece, the acquisition would fill a critical capability gap as the country phases out its aging Elli-class frigates. By the early 2030s, the Hellenic Navy could field a fleet of up to eight modern FREMM and FDI HN frigates, supported by upgraded Hydra-class frigates, with a potential combined capacity of up to 192 ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles.