Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), has secured a contract worth approximately EUR 1.5 billion with OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement) to construct two new FREMM EVO frigates for the Italian Navy. This contract is part of the Italian Navy’s multi-year “FREMM” programme, aimed at renewing its fleet with next-generation frigates.
The new FREMM EVO frigates will feature advanced technology and performance capabilities, building on recent technological developments from previous Defence Act programmes and the Mid Life Upgrade project for the Horizon-class destroyers. These vessels will include state-of-the-art anti-drone systems and the capability to manage unmanned systems across various domains.
The Italian Navy will benefit from high operational performance with these new frigates, which will retain all the Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities of the existing FREMM ASW units. Construction will take place at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with the first FREMM EVO expected to be delivered in 2029 and the second in 2030.
Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of the Italian Navy, stated, The acquisition of the two next-generation FREMM (EVO) frigates is part of the broader renewal and modernization plan that the Italian Navy has launched to upgrade its capabilities, in order to adaptively, promptly, and effectively respond to current and future scenarios in a world that has rapidly changed in recent years.”
Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of OSN, remarked,“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. I wish to thank all those who have dedicated their commitment and expertise to facilitating the finalisation of this contract, which represents a significant achievement for the entire national defence industry, for Fincantieri and Leonardo, the major players in Italian defence at both national and international level, and for all the small and medium-sized businesses that form the backbone of our country’s manufacturing sector.”
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added, “To us relaunching Orizzonte Sistemi Navali is the commitment to create a unique integration point between Fincantieri’s naval expertise and Leonardo’s armament systems. It is the place where we measure the country’s ability to oversee and develop the best military naval skills in the interest of the Italian Navy, representing the tradition and technological excellence of our industry.”
“The new FREMM EVO will be the evolution of the frigate that has set an international standard over the past 20 years, in which we will apply new technological solutions validated in all dimensions, from cybersecurity to underwater,” he added.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, commented, “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.”
“We will continue to support the development of these technological excellences with determination and expertise, being aware of their strategic role for the security of our country and their positive impact on the Italian production fabric.”
In the coming weeks, OSN will finalise sub-contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, valued at approximately EUR 690 million and EUR 415 million, respectively.
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