According to a report by the local outlet Doureios on March 23, the Italian government has reportedly notified its Greek counterpart about the availability of two FREMM frigates (Carlo Bergamini class) for a potential transfer by the end of the decade. Specifically, the ships in question are Carlo Bergamini (F 590) and Virginio Fasan (F 591). The purchase would largely depend on the delivery of new FREMM EVO variant ships for the Italian Navy, though it is already under evaluation by the Greek Ministry of Defense.
Expanding on details from the report, the frigates offered by the Italian government belong to two different variants: Carlo Bergamini is a general-purpose (GP) vessel, while Virginio Fasan is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate. Both ships have been in service for 12 years. Their availability for transfer is expected in 2028, coinciding with the anticipated arrival of the new FREMM EVO frigates in 2029 and 2030.
It should also be clarified that no additional frigates are expected to be considered for transfer in the near future, contrary to previous local media reports. The Marina Militare currently operates four general-purpose FREMM frigates and four ASW-configured ones, with two GP-e frigates expected to enter service.
Regarding the specifications of the ships under potential acquisition by the Greek government, both vessels are 144.6 meters long, with a displacement of 6,700 tons and a maximum speed of 27 knots. Designed for multi-domain missions, they feature SYLVER A50 VLS cells armed with Aster 15 or 30 missiles, MU90 torpedoes, an OTO Melara Otobreda 76/62 mm SR gun, and a 127 mm Otobreda gun. They are also equipped with advanced AESA radars and can deploy helicopters weighing up to 10 tons. The ASW variant enhances its capabilities with the CAPTAS-4 sonar and UMS 4110 CL system for detecting enemy submarines, along with MILAS missiles for neutralization.
Finally, it is important to note that Athens is undergoing a broader process to modernize its Navy. This effort has previously been criticized by outgoing Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis, who argued that it would be insufficient to address geopolitical challenges in the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Specifically, the Hellenic Navy is working to build a new fleet of French-origin Belharra-class frigates (manufactured by Naval Group) while also modernizing its four MEKO 200HN frigates. Additionally, it is considering upgrading its Papanikolis-class submarines.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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