The value of the Italian FREMM-class frigates Carlo Bergamini (F-590) and Virginio Fasan (F-591), which the Hellenic Navy is set to formally acquire on September 8, extends beyond their size and range.Their main advantage lies in the fact that they are fully equipped frigates with strong air-defense and anti-ship capabilities, as well as advanced anti-submarine warfare and naval gunfire support capabilities.Military sources told Naftemporiki that part of the FREMMs’ weapon systems are already familiar to the Hellenic Navy.More specifically, the Aster 15/30 missiles are already part of the FDI frigates’ armament, while MU90 torpedoes are also already in Greece’s inventory. As a result, “the FREMMs will not constitute a separate category in terms of weapon systems. These systems are already in the Fleet, which facilitates their integration.”The Aster missile familyFor air defense, the two FREMMs are equipped with a 16-cell vertical launch system for Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles.All four FDI frigates will also use the Aster missile family. Therefore, there will be no need for a separate approach to training, support and operational deployment.Having a common missile family means that Greece will have two different classes of frigates capable of operating within the same basic air-defense ecosystem. However, they have different sensors, combat-system architectures and designs.The second major weapon aboard the Italian FREMMs is MBDA’s Teseo Mk2/A anti-ship missile, which serves a role comparable to the French Exocet.At the same time, the Hellenic Navy has the capability to integrate its own anti-ship missiles already in service: Exocet and Harpoon.MU90 torpedoes and naval gunsAccording to the Italian Navy, the frigates are also equipped with two launch systems for MU90 lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes aboard the Bergamini and two aboard the Fasan.The weapon is already part of Greece’s anti-submarine arsenal, aboard both MEKO-class frigates and FDI frigates.As for their guns, the Carlo Bergamini is equipped with one OTO Melara 127/64 LW Vulcano gun and one 76/62, while the Virginio Fasan carries two 76/62 guns.The Virginio Fasan also features specialized systems for the detection, tracking and engagement of submarines, with its key capability being the advanced CAPTAS-4 variable-depth towed sonar, regarded as one of the most capable underwater surveillance systems currently in service.Combined with its hull-mounted sonar and other onboard electronic systems, it provides enhanced capability to detect underwater threats at an early stage.HelicoptersThe FREMM frigates can operate NH90 helicopters, with the Bergamini capable of accommodating two NH90s, while the Fasan has the same capability.The helicopter can operate at a distance from the ship, hunt submarines and deploy its own sensors and weapons.