Naviris to develop feasibility study for mid-life upgrade of Horizon-class air defence frigates

The French Navy's Forbin, the first Horizon-class frigate to be completed, in 2009 (Photo: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina)

Naviris, a 50/50-owned joint venture by Fincantieri and Naval Group, has entered into an agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’ARmement; OCCAR) for a feasibility study on the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the four Horizon-class frigates currently in service with the French and Italian Navies.

Naviris will work in close cooperation with industrial partners Fincantieri, Naval Group, Leonardo, Thales, Eurosam, MBDA, and Sigen.

The study is to be developed over the next 12 months as the first stage of the project, which will be focused mainly on the anti-air warfare capability of the four frigates.

The Horizon-class frigates were originally built between 2000 and 2010. The upgrade is expected to extend the ships’ service lives and improve their capability to respond to evolving threats.


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