Orizzonte Sistemi Navali has received a contract to deliver two additional European multi-purpose frigates (FREMMs) for the Italian Navy.
Signed by the EU’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the deal orders the ships in their modern “EVO” configuration, which comprises the system’s standard general-purpose functions as well as advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6 billion) project will be facilitated at Orizzonte Sistemi Navali’s centers in Muggiano and Riva Trigoso.
The shipyard noted in its update that approximately 690 million euros ($745.7 million) and 415 million euros ($448.5 million) in sub-contracts will be awarded to its parent companies Fincantieri and Leonardo following the announcement.
Construction of the first FREMM EVO will conclude in June 2029, while the second frigate will be completed in June 2030.
Once commissioned, the ships will undertake defense missions across Italy’s sea lines of communication, straits, and greater water areas.
“The signing today of a contract to supply the Italian Navy with another two FREMM frigates in the “FREMM EVO” configuration is the result of close collaboration between institutions, armed forces and private industry,” a statement from Orizzonte Sistemi Navali said.
“With the new FREMM EVO, the Italian Navy will be able to count on next-generation naval units, which are reliable, sustainable, and have advanced operational capabilities.”
“We are proud to be part of this highly significant project: it demonstrates how synergy between the public and private sectors can create important economic and technological opportunities.”
Italian-French Frigate Program
The FREMM program is a bilateral military strategy to employ a modern, uniform warship fleet for Italy and France.
Frigates delivered to Rome are designated as the Bergamini class, while Paris named its ships the Aquitaine class.
Throughout the initiative, the FREMM has been produced in different configurations and replaced older vessels from both countries including the Georges Leygues anti-submarine destroyers, Cassard anti-air destroyers, Lupo anti-surface frigates, and Maestrale anti-submarine frigates.
The first FREMM was inducted in 2012 under the French Navy. The latest platform, Emilio Bianchi (F-5999) was launched in May 2024.
Rome’s Bergamini FREMM
The Italian FREMM frigate measures 144.6 meters (474.5 feet) in length and has a 19.7-meter (64.8-foot) beam.
It is powered by combined diesel-electric and gas engines, electric motors, and diesel generators for a top speed over 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) and range of up to 6,800 nautical miles (12,600 kilometers).
The ship can carry 200 personnel, maritime helicopters, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, naval and acoustic guns, autocannons, remote weapon stations, and torpedoes.
