Greece is accelerating the modernization of its navy after the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA in Greek) approved two major armament programs including the upgrade of the MEKO frigates and the acquisition of two Italian Bergamini-class FREMM frigates.
The decisions mark a key step in Athens’ broader plan to reshape the Hellenic Navy and strengthen its surface fleet with a more advanced, layered naval force. Under the new structure, the Italian FREMM frigates will operate alongside the Belharra frigates and the modernized MEKO 200HN vessels, forming the backbone of Greece’s future naval architecture.
Greece advances 2+2 deal for Bergamini frigates
The council approved the acquisition of two second-hand Italian FREMM Bergamini frigates, with an option for two more vessels under a 2+2 arrangement. Greece will now move toward the signing of the final agreement with Italy. The two ships will then undergo the necessary modifications prior to delivery. The first two frigates are expected to arrive around 2028.
The move follows Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ visit to La Spezia, Italy on September 29, 2025, where he met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation on naval collaboration between Greece and Italy, as well as a declaration of intent for the acquisition of 2+2 FREMM Bergamini-class frigates.
The agreement also assigns upgrade and maintenance work on the FREMM frigates to Greek shipyards. Dendias has said that Greece wants the FREMM vessels to carry the next-generation ELSA missile, as planned for the Belharra frigates. According to the manufacturer, this capability is fully feasible.
Bergamini frigates to strengthen Greece’s naval reach
The Bergamini-class FREMM frigates rank among the most advanced surface combatants in the Mediterranean and can carry out multiple missions, including anti-submarine warfare, area air defense, and flexible operational deployments.
The vessels have a displacement of about 6,500 tons, a length of more than 140 meters, and a top speed of more than 27 knots. They carry advanced radar and combat management systems and can be fitted with modern towed sonar systems, such as the CAPTAS-4, which would significantly strengthen their anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Their addition is expected to provide the Hellenic Navy with greater flexibility at a time when maritime security, deterrence, and rapid response capabilities remain central to Greece’s defense planning.
Greece advances MEKO 200HN upgrade to extend fleet life
Alongside the FREMM acquisition, Greece is moving ahead with the modernization of its MEKO 200HN frigates, one of the Greek Navy’s most vital upgrade programs, valued at approximately €290 million ($337 million). This concerns the frigates Hydra, Spetsai, Psara, and Salamis and is expected to begin in 2027 with completion by 2030.
The upgrade aims to extend the operational life of the four vessels by at least fifteen years. It will allow the MEKO frigates to remain a key part of the fleet while Greece introduces newer platforms and builds up a more capable surface force.
Greece to withdraw Patriot system from Karpathos
KYSEA also decided to withdraw the Patriot air-defense system deployed on Karpathos. Greece had ordered the temporary deployment in March amid concerns over possible missile or drone threats linked to the wider Middle East crisis, but the change now reflects a shift in geopolitical conditions.
The Karpathos deployment had drawn protests from Turkey, which objected to the presence of the system on the island. Athens rejected Ankara’s claims at the time, saying Greece’s defensive arrangements remain non-negotiable and necessary for national security.
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