Greece seeks two Italian minehunters to bolster navy

Greece is in discussions with Italy to acquire two second-hand minehunters to bolster the Hellenic Navy’s mine warfare capabilities. The proposal was addressed during a bilateral meeting between Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Venice, held on the sidelines of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (ADRION) Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

The Greek Navy currently operates only two minehunters, the Europa and Euniki. Acquiring used vessels from Italy is viewed as a cost-effective and rapid solution to increase operational capacity for detecting and neutralizing sea mines, protecting maritime communication routes, and securing critical infrastructure in the Aegean and Mediterranean.

This potential transfer is part of broader defense cooperation between the two NATO and EU members. Discussions also involve the possible transfer of two Italian FREMM frigates, the Carlo Bergamini and Virginio Fasan, to the Greek fleet as part of ongoing naval modernization efforts.