Orizzonte Sistemi Navali wins contract for two FREMM EVO frigates for Italian Navy

A graphical depiction of the next-generation FREMM EVO frigate. (Fincantieri)

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo, has been awarded a contract by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) for the construction of two new-generation FREMM EVO (Evolution) frigates for the Italian Navy.

The contract, announced by Fincantieri on 31 July, is valued at EUR1.5 billion (USD1.6 billion).

The new ships will be built at Fincantieri's integrated shipyards in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with the first planned to be delivered in 2029, followed by the second in 2030.

The FREMM EVOs will complement the 10 Bergamini-class FREMM frigates already on order for the Italian Navy under the multi-year FREMM programme, featuring updated technology and addressing platform and system obsolescence on the earlier frigates.

The primary focus is on modernising the combat and platform systems to maintain technological superiority and operational readiness. All of the capabilities and performance in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) domain of the FREMM ASW units already in service will be maintained.

For the platform systems, the upgrade will include updates to the ship management system, including the air conditioning and electrical distribution systems, and the implementation of specific solutions to improve the green footprint of the unit.

The combat system will be updated with Leonardo's SADOC 4 combat management system, new radar sensors (including the company's Kronos Dual Band Radar [DBR] X/C) capable of supporting defence against theatre ballistic missile threats, and modernisation of the electronic warfare capabilities, missile systems, sonar suite, communication system, and tactical datalinks.

Of the first 10 FREMM frigates on order, eight are operational – four delivered in the general-purpose/anti-surface warfare (ASuW) configuration and four configured for ASW.