Greece advances FREMM frigate deal

Greece is moving guardant with plans to get 4 secondhand Italian FREMM frigates successful a two-phase deal, arsenic discussions with Italy participate an precocious stage.

The Greek authorities has agreed to acquisition 4 Carlo Bergamini-class vessels successful a 2+2 arrangement.

The archetypal two ships are expected to outgo astir €700 million, including some of their superior weapons systems. Greece’s parliamentary committee connected armament programs and contracts is scheduled to person an update connected the negotiations connected May 5.

During the aforesaid session, lawmakers are expected to o.k. two contracts covering the modernization of 4 MEKO-class frigates astatine the Skaramangas shipyards.

The upgrades will see combat systems and structural attraction work.

The Italian navy has already committed the archetypal two Bergamini-class frigates to the Hellenic Navy.

The acquisition bundle will besides see attraction support, spare parts and unit training, with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri expected to participate.

Athens besides plans to procure CAPTAS-4 towed sonar systems so the FREMM frigates will lucifer the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the French-built FDI frigates.

Officials are examining anti-ship and anti-aircraft rocket options, while the committee is to sermon NATO support programs for HAWK systems, PzH 2000 artillery and Stinger launchers worth €110 million.