A model of the future FREMM EVO frigate on display at Fincantieri's stand at Euronaval 2024. (Janes/Neil Dee)
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), on behalf of Italy, has signed an order for the launch of a feasibility study to integrate MBDA's Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) – also known as the Naval Cruise Missile – on the Italian Navy's two future FREMM EVO-class ships.
The signing will initiate a feasibility study into the integration of MdCN and the development of a ‘deep-strike' capability for the Italian FREMMs, an OCCAR press release said. Luigi Durante, OCCAR Horizon programme manager, signed the order on behalf of Italy, with the agreement also being signed by Davide Traverso, representing Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) – a Fincantieri and Leonardo joint venture – with full support from MBDA to achieve the milestone, according to an OCCAR press release.
In attendance at the signing were Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino; Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, director of the Italian Naval Armaments Directorate and Italian Programme Committee representative; General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta from the French Direction Générale de L'armement (DGA); and Giovanni Soccodato, executive group director of Sales and Business Development at MBDA and managing director of MBDA Italia. According to MBDA's press release, two FREMM EVOs, with the potential MdCN upgrade, are expected to be delivered by June 2029 and June 2030 respectively.
During Euronaval 2024 Fincantieri presented a model of the FREMM EVO. FREMM EVO is to feature an overall length of 144 m, a beam of 19.7 m, a draught of 5.1 m, and a full load displacement of about 6,500 tonnes, according to Fincantieri.
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