The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias meets with the Italian Defence Minister onboard an Italian frigate – Conclusion of a Naval Memorandum of Cooperation and a[...]

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias meets with the Italian Defence Minister onboard an Italian frigate - Conclusion of a Naval Memorandum of Cooperation and a Declaration of Intent for the acquisition of 2+2 Bergamini Frigates

September 29, 2025

The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, paid a visit on Monday 29 September 2025 to La Spezia, Italy.

Mr. Dendias, accompanied by the Chief HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios - Eleftherios Kataras, had a meeting with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosettoonboard the Italian Navy Frigate F 598 ITS.

In the presence of both Ministers, a Memorandum of Cooperation on Naval Matters between Greece and Italy, and a Declaration of Intent for the acquisition of 2+2 FREMM Italian frigates of the Bergamini class, was signed by the Director General of Defence Investments and Armaments Major General Ioannis Bourasand his Italian counterpart Admiral Ottaviani Giancinto.

Mr. Dendias, talking to public broadcaster ERT reporter Giorgos Sideris, stated the following:

"It is a great pleasure for me to be here, in La Spezia, the Italian Navy Base. I had a very interesting discussion with my Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, which concluded with the signing of the two protocols.

One of them indeed opens the door for us to acquire two FREMM frigates - like the one we are onboard right now - with the option of two more.

Two or four ships, about a decade old, with excellent capabilities and in excellent condition.

I believe that with the "Agenda 2030", we are entering a new era for the Hellenic Navy.

Four Belharra frigates - indeed Standard 2++. Two plus two FREMM frigates, excellent. Together with the modernization of the MEKO fleet. A truly significant Navy that could safeguard our Country's sovereignty and sovereign rights both in the Aegean Sea and in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

REPORTER'S QUESTION: Minister, apart from the two FREMM frigates exactly as they are, are we already thinking about making some additions henceforth under the Greek Flag?

N.DENDIAS: We shall talk to Fincantieri, the manufacturer of these vessels, from which the Italian Government has in any event asked to be involved in any improvement we shall require.

I will not conceal the fact that for us it would be important for the FREMM frigates to be able to carry the new generation ELSA missile, which the Belharra frigates will also carry. The company says that this is entirely feasible.

You understand the enormous deterrent power that the Hellenic Navy can acquire.

I have been saying it - at first I understand it was not so easy to believe it - however it is now clear.

We are entering a new era for the Hellenic Armed Forces; a new era for the Hellenic Navy.

And I am happy that the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral D.E. Kataras was with me, on my side, in this very significant moment for the Hellenic Navy.

I believe we are quickly bridging the enormous gap left by the decade-long economic crisis".