The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, held today, Monday, September 29, 2025, a visit to La Spezia, Italy.

Mr. Dendias, accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Dimitrios-Eleftherios PN, met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in the frigate of the Italian Navy F 598 Its.

In the presence of the two ministers, he was signed by the General Manager of Defense Equipment and Investment (GDEEE) Lieutenant General Ioannis Bouras and the Italian counterpart of the Director of National Equipment of Italian Admiral Ottaviani Giancinto, a Memorandum of Understanding for the Greek Naval Cooperation of Greece Fremm, Bergamini class.

Speaking to ERT’s envoy, Mr. Dendias, George Sideris, said:

“It is a great pleasure for me to be here today in La Spetsia, at the base of the Italian Navy. I had a very interesting discussion with my Italian bond, Guindo Croseto who resulted in the signing of these two protocols you know.

One of the two actually opens the door so that we can get two Fremm frigates – like the one we are on – and with the ability to get two more.

Two ships or four decade ships, with excellent capabilities, in excellent condition.

I think with the “agenda 2030” the Greek Navy is now in its new era.

Four Belharra frigates – even Standard 2 ++. Two plus two Fremm frigates, excellent. Modernized MEKO frigates. A truly important navy that can defend the sovereignty and sovereign rights of our country both in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. “

Journalist Question: Mr Minister besides the two Fremm, as is it, are we already thinking of making some additions coming with the Greek flag?

N. Dendias: ThWe talk to the company that has produced these ships, with Fincantieri, from which the Italian government has called for it to participate in any improvements we will request.

I do not hide that for us it would be important that FREMM frigates can also be able to bring the new generation of Elsa rocket, which will also bring the Belharra frigates. And it’s something that as the company tells us is absolutely feasible.

So you understand the enormous deterrence power that the Greek Navy can acquire.

I used to say – at first I understand it was not so easily believed – but it is now clear.

We are going through a new era for the Greek Armed Forces, in a new era for the Greek Navy.

And I am happy that the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy, the Vice Admiral Curse was with me, next to me, at this very important moment for the Greek Navy.

I think we quickly fill the huge gap left by the financial crisis of ten years. “