The steel-cutting ceremony for the first of two of the next generation of FREMM frigates took place yesterday at Fincantieri's Riva Trigoso shipyard in Genova.
The contract for the construction of the two frigates was signed in July 2024 by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture owned by Fincantieri (51 per cent) and Leonardo (49 per cent), and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement).
It is part of the multi-year FREMM program aimed at the renewal of the Italian Navy's fleet through the construction of next-generation frigates. The first unit is scheduled to be delivered in 2029, with the second in 2030.
"The new FREMM EVO units will be at the cutting-edge of naval military craft, in terms of technology and performance, capitalizing on the important technological developments already undertaken as part of recent programs under the Defence Act, as well as the mid-life upgrade project for the Horizon-class destroyers," said Fincantieri.
"The Italian Navy will be able to rely on two vessels, ensuring high operational performance, with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge systems, as well as the latest anti-drone capabilities and the capacity for operational management of unmanned systems across three dimensions (above the surface, on the sea and below the surface)."
The main modernisations and technological upgrades concern the cyber-resilient ship management system, the air-conditioning and electrical distribution system, and the implementation of specific solutions aimed at improving the ship’s environmental footprint.
The combat system will be upgraded with radar sensors (specifically with fixed-face X-C dual-band radars) able to support defense against TBM threats, electronic warfare, artillery and missile systems, the sonar suite, communication system and tactical data links, capable of ensuring effective levels of interoperability.