Greece hopes to finalize an agreement with Italy by April for the purchase of Bergamini-class frigates, as part of a major modernization program for its armed forces. This information was confirmed by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias in an interview published on Sunday.
According to the minister, Athens wants to conclude negotiations quickly in order to sign an agreement for the acquisition of two FREMM frigates, with an option for two additional ships. "We hope that the negotiations with Italy will be concluded and that we will have signed an agreement for the acquisition of 2+2 frigates by April," Dendias told a Greek newspaper.
The discussions between the two countries follow on from naval cooperation memoranda signed last year by senior Greek and Italian officials. These agreements paved the way for a closer partnership in the field of maritime defense.
Athens also wants these new ships to be equipped with the next-generation ELSA missile, according to the minister. The integration of this weapon system would strengthen the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Greek navy.
This acquisition project is part of a multi-year defense plan estimated at around 28 billion euros. The program notably includes the purchase of new submarines from France and other military equipment intended to modernize the country's armed forces.
Greece is thus seeking to strengthen its military capabilities in the context of persistent rivalry with Turkey, its neighbor and historical rival in the Eastern Mediterranean. This strategy aims to maintain the balance of power in a region marked by strong geopolitical tensions.
