Egypt's first Italian FREMM Bergamini frigate has arrived at the Alexandria naval base, announced the Egyptian military spokesperson on Thursday.

The frigate, dubbed El-Galala and constructed by the Italian firm Fincantieri, is one of two Egypt has purchased from Italy and can sail for 6,000 sea miles. Its crew was trained in a two-stage programme that took place in Italy and Egypt.

"The frigate has several technical features and modern armament systems that qualify it to carry out sea combat missions during times of peace and war. Thus, it represents a huge technical addition to the proficiencies of the naval forces and a provision for border security, shipping lines, natural resources in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, in addition to providing support to ground forces deployed along the coast during attack and defence missions," the statement read.

Egypt looks forward to applying a comprehensive strategy that prioritises developing and modernising the naval fleet, said Egyptian Navy Commander Ahmed Khaled in his speech in the ceremony held on the occasion of the frigate's arrival.

The frigate will prop up security in the Suez Canal against the hostilities and challenges besetting the region, stated Khaled.

The political leadership gives priority to the readiness of the Armed Forces as a power capable of maintaining security and stability in the region, fighting terrorism and illegal migration, and contributing in development works, Khaled said.

The ceremony was attended by a number of Armed Forces commanders, former commanders of the Naval Force, and students at the Egyptian Naval Academy.

The FREMM Bergamini frigate is joining the fleet of the Egyptian Navy, which has recently witnessed a technological boom in armament systems and combat efficiency to cope with the latest global defence systems, stated the army spokesman.