Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture owned by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), has signed a contract worth 1.5 billion euros to supply the Italian Navy with two additional FREMM-class frigates in the EVOLUTION modification (FREMM EVO). According to Marine Link, the deal was concluded with the European Arms Procurement Authority (OCCAR, Organization Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement).
It is expected that two new ships will be built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Riva Trigoso (Genoa) and Mugiano (La Spezia). The first frigate is due to be delivered in 2029, and the second in 2030.
Frigate Emilio Bianchi (FREMM class), Italy
Naval News
"The acquisition of two next–generation FREMM EVO frigates is part of a broader renewal and modernization plan that the Italian Navy has launched to enhance its capabilities in order to respond promptly and effectively to current and future challenges in a rapidly changing environment," said Admiral Enrico Credendino, Commander of the Italian Fleet.
In the coming weeks, OSN will finalize subcontracting agreements with Fincantieri and Leonardo in the amount of about 690 million euros and 415 million euros, respectively.
Recall that FREMM is the largest European program for the construction of multipurpose frigates, which has been implemented jointly by France and Italy under the auspices of OCCAR since 2002. The ships are designed to patrol territorial waters, control navigation, counter terrorism and piracy, and combat all types of threats – air, surface, underwater, and land.
As part of the program, the Italian Navy placed an order for the supply of ten ships (six units in a multi–purpose version, four in an anti–submarine version).
The first eight FREMM-class frigates were delivered to one ship each year from 2012 to 2019. In early June 2020, the Italian authorities approved the sale to the Egyptian Navy of the last two FREMM-type frigates built for the Italian Navy, but not yet adopted. The ships were renamed Al-Galala and Bernays, and they entered service under the new flag in December 2020 and April 2021, respectively.
To replace them, Fincantieri has begun construction of two additional frigates. Steel cutting for the ninth ship of the Spartaco Shergat series began in February 2021, it was launched in November 2023, and now it is being tested.
The last ship of the Emilio Bianchi series was laid down in October 2021 and launched in May 2024.
The length of the last pair of frigates is 144 meters, the width is 19.7 meters, the total displacement is about 6,700 tons, the speed is more than 27 knots. Minor changes have been made to the design of the hull and superstructure, and they will also receive a number of more modern systems.
The main armament of the FREMM–type frigate is the installation of a vertical launch for 16 Aster-15 and Aster-30 anti-aircraft missiles, as well as Tesio anti-ship missiles. In addition, one 127-mm and two 76-mm artillery pieces are placed on board. 324 mm MU-90 torpedoes are used to protect against submarines.
The FREMM EVO ships will receive the same improvements as the last pair of frigates ordered. The main technological updates relate to the SADOC 4 Cyber-resilient combat information and control system, air conditioning and power distribution systems. The ships will also receive upgraded radars and electronic warfare systems. In addition, solutions aimed at reducing harmful emissions are being implemented.
