IRIA News

Italy has signed a $1.6 billion contract with domestic defense giants Fincantieri and Leonardo for the construction of two advanced FREMM EVO frigates. The agreement marks a significant enhancement in Italy’s naval capabilities, aimed at addressing modern maritime threats and improving operational effectiveness.

Dubbed FREMM EVO, the new frigates will boast an array of state-of-the-art features designed to counter drone attacks and effectively manage sub-sea, surface, and aerial unmanned systems. According to the companies, these improvements are part of a broader effort to build on the proven capabilities of the FREMM frigate program.

“The evolution of the FREMM capitalizes on a project that has proven, over the years, its full compliance with the requirements of the Italian Navy and has gained widespread international consensus,” stated Italian Navy Chief Admiral Enrico Credendino.

The addition of these two new vessels will expand the Italian Navy’s fleet, joining the ten already ordered. The delivery of the new ships is scheduled for 2029 and 2030, and the construction will be managed by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture in which Fincantieri holds a 51% stake, and Leonardo holds a 49% stake.

The FREMM program initially began as a joint venture between Italy and France, aimed at developing a versatile and advanced class of frigates. Over the years, the program has garnered international acclaim and adoption, including by the U.S. Navy, which has rebranded the vessel as the Constellation class.

We are proud to contribute to the multi-year “FREMM” program by announcing the signing of a contract worth approximately 1.5 billion euro by #OrizzonteSistemiNavali (OSN), a joint venture partner with #Leonardo, and #OCCAR, for the construction of two new FREMM frigates of the… pic.twitter.com/0TyTGdQcXr

— Fincantieri (@Fincantieri) July 31, 2024

The new EVO vessels will retain the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the earlier Italian FREMM versions but will incorporate a series of significant upgrades. Enhancements will include advanced cyber warfare capabilities, improved air conditioning, and a more robust electrical distribution system. These upgrades are critical in ensuring the ships can operate effectively in diverse and challenging environments.

Among the technological advancements is the adoption of fixed-face X-C dual-band radars, an upgrade from the existing systems. Additionally, the combat management system has undergone substantial improvements to better integrate with the upgraded radar and other new systems. Some of the technology upgrades for the FREMM EVO frigates are derived from Italy’s PPA (Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura) navy vessels, which have set new standards in naval engineering and operational capability.

The contract for these advanced frigates was ratified by Italy’s parliament in February and is being overseen by the European defense contracting agency OCCAR. This approval underscores the strategic importance of the FREMM EVO program to Italy’s national defense and its commitment to maintaining a modern and capable navy.

The investment in these new frigates highlights Italy’s proactive approach to evolving maritime security threats. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing existing capabilities, the FREMM EVO frigates will provide the Italian Navy with a significant edge in both defensive and offensive maritime operations.

Admiral Credendino emphasized the importance of this evolution in maintaining naval superiority, noting that the ongoing enhancements ensure the fleet remains aligned with contemporary and future operational demands. As the international security landscape continues to evolve, Italy’s commitment to advanced naval capabilities is evident in this latest procurement.

With the delivery of the new FREMM EVO frigates, the Italian Navy is poised to enhance its strategic and tactical operations, reinforcing its role as a key player in maritime defense within the Mediterranean and beyond. This development not only strengthens Italy’s naval power but also reaffirms its position as a leader in advanced naval technology on the global stage.