Italy to sell two active-duty FREMM Frigates to Greece in $700 million deal
Europe, News October 2, 2025 Comments Off on Italy to sell two active-duty FREMM Frigates to Greece in $700 million deal3 minute read
Greece and Italy have signed a preliminary agreement for the sale of two Italian FREMM-class frigates to the Hellenic Navy, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. Each frigate would cost approximately $352 million, bringing the total to around $704 million.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias and Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto during the SEAFUTURE exhibition in La Spezia aboard the Italian Navy frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598).
Both ministers were joined by their respective naval chiefs, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras of the Hellenic Navy and Admiral Enrico Credendino of the Italian Navy.
The deal, facilitated through Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, includes a support package and marks the launch of formal negotiations. Dendias emphasized that this is not yet a procurement decision but an initial step following technical inspections of the vessels by the Hellenic Navy.
Potential Acquisition of Four Ships
Dendias highlighted that the agreement could eventually involve two plus two ships, with the first pair transferred initially and the other two delivered later. He described the ships as “decade-old vessels with outstanding capabilities and in excellent condition” and stressed that their acquisition would significantly strengthen the Hellenic Navy under Greece’s Agenda 2030 framework.
The ships are expected to undergo upgrades in cooperation with Fincantieri, including integration of next-generation ELSA missiles, also designated for Greece’s French-built FDI HN frigates.
Dendias told Parliament that if the deal moves forward, Greece will operate eight modern FREMM and FDI HN frigates by the early 2030s, capable of carrying between 168 and 192 ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles.
Inspections of Italian Vessels
The Hellenic Navy has already inspected two FREMM frigates, with Carlo Bergamini earlier in September and Carlo Margottini in March. Further inspections may include Virginio Fasan, commissioned in 2013 and one of the Italian Navy’s older ships of the class.
Dendias said that securing these ships would allow Greece to “acquire the most powerful and modern Navy in our history” in a short time, while also closing the capability gap left by years of financial crisis.
Delivery of second-hand ships is expected to be far faster than building new vessels, a crucial factor as Greece responds to rising military tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and rivalry with Turkey.
The transaction mirrors earlier deals in which Italy redirected vessels under construction for its navy to foreign buyers, later replacing them with new orders. Similar sales have been made to Egypt and Indonesia.
Italian Industrial Benefits
For Italy, the transfer strengthens defense cooperation with a key NATO and EU partner, while also creating space to order next-generation FREMM “Evo” frigates to replace the vessels sold. Italy has previously filled such gaps by commissioning new ships, ensuring continuity for its fleet.
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero welcomed the agreement, stating that Italian naval vessels are “globally recognized platforms of excellence and a powerful vehicle for geopolitical exports.”
Folgiero said the preliminary deal highlights the international role of Italy’s defense industry and the strength of its naval partnership with Greece.
The agreement underscores the growing military and industrial cooperation between Greece and Italy, reinforcing their shared role in European maritime security. With both countries investing in advanced naval platforms, the partnership positions them as key contributors to NATO and EU defense in the Mediterranean region.
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