Greece Bolsters Naval Capacity With Italian Frigate Acquisition

Naval modernization efforts in Athens reached a new milestone on Tuesday as Defence Minister Nikos Dendias finalized a deal in Rome to procure two Bergamini-class frigates from Italy. This strategic purchase aims to recalibrate maritime capabilities in the Mediterranean, though specific financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed by officials.

Editorial·September 8, 2026·reads: 2,931

Greece Bolsters Naval Capacity With Italian Frigate Acquisition

The deal, signed alongside Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, serves as a cornerstone of the broader Hellenic military overhaul. While the government has kept exact costs under wraps, local reports suggest the price tag for the pair of warships falls between €500 million and €600 million. These vessels will join a fleet that already includes four French-built Belharra frigates, marking a significant shift in the operational strength of the Greek Navy.

This procurement is part of a larger, long-term defense strategy that commits €28 billion to military modernization by 2036. The project is largely driven by the ongoing need to maintain a competitive balance of power with Turkey in the contested waters of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.