ROME — The Implementing Arrangement covers the transfer of the Carlo Bergamini and Virginio Fasan, both currently serving with the Italian Navy, and sets out support for the ships as well as the involvement of Greek industry.
Why it matters: The deal goes beyond the transfer of two vessels. It gives Fincantieri a role throughout their lifecycle and creates a framework for deeper industrial cooperation between Italy and Greece.
- Fincantieri will have a leading role in the transfer and in initial and long-term support aimed at maintaining the vessels’ operational readiness.
- Greek industry will be involved in maintenance and in integrating new systems aboard the frigates.
- Fincantieri describes the transaction as a gateway to future opportunities and new cooperation strategies.
The big picture: The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Cooperation and Declaration of Intent signed in September 2025, further strengthening defense ties between Rome and Athens.
- The arrangement was signed by the Greek General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments and the Italian General Directorate for Armaments.
- Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias attended, alongside the chiefs of the two navies, Adm. Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto and Adm. Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras.
- Fincantieri was represented by CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero and Naval Vessels Division General Manager Eugenio Santagata.
Zoom in: The two FREMM frigates were designed and built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. The company points to the platform’s adaptability, flexibility and ability to provide continuity in naval operations as key elements of the model.
- But the industrial dimension extends beyond the ships themselves. The agreement provides for Greek companies to participate in maintenance and systems integration, while Fincantieri sees the transfer as a starting point for closer links among countries operating the FREMM platform.
What they’re saying: “The progress of the transfer process also creates new opportunities for industrial synergies between Fincantieri and the Greek industrial ecosystem, generating benefits across the supply chain,” Folgiero said.
- “The introduction of the FREMM frigates into the Hellenic Navy represents a first step towards broader integration of expertise, technologies and industrial capabilities among countries operating the platform, fostering knowledge sharing and supporting development of further technological advancements,” he added.
What to watch: The next step is whether the transfer develops into the broader industrial cooperation Fincantieri is targeting — particularly around maintenance, systems integration and technological collaboration connected to the FREMM platform.
The bottom line: Rome and Athens are using the two-frigate transfer to establish a longer-term framework linking naval capabilities, lifecycle support and their respective defense industries.
