OSN to build two FREMM frigates for Italian Navy under €1.5 billion deal

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo, has signed a contract for the construction of two new FREMM frigates for the Italian Navy.

As informed, the agreement is part of the multi-year FREMM program aimed at the renewal of the Italian Navy’s fleet through the construction of next-generation frigates. The value of the contract is €1.5 billion.

Two new FREMM frigates will be of the EVOLUTION version, known also as FREMM EVO.

According to Fincantieri, the vessels will be at the cutting edge of naval military craft, in terms of technology and performance, capitalizing on the important technological developments already undertaken as part of recent programs under the Defence Act.

The frigates will have latest anti-drone capabilities and the capacity for operational management of unmanned systems across three dimensions (above the surface, on the sea and below the surface).

More specifically, the main modernizations and technological upgrades will concern the ship management system cyber-resilient, the air-conditioning and electrical distribution system, and the implementation of specific solutions aimed at improving the ship’s green footprint for the platform system.

Furthermore, the combat system will be upgraded with the modern combat management system SADOC 4 Cyber-resilient, radar sensors (specifically with fixed-face X-C dual-band radars) able to support defense against TBM threats, electronic warfare, artillery and missile systems, the sonar suite, communication system and tactical data links.

They will be fitted with highly dependable equipment, relying on robust maintenance plans to ensure their readiness for action, with high levels of operational availability.

“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,” Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of the Italian Navy, stated.

“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,” commented Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo.

In the coming weeks, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali will finalize sub-contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, with a value respectively of around €690 million and approximately €415 million.

The two new units will be built at Fincantieri’s Integrated shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with the first FREMM EVO due to be delivered in 2029, while the second unit will be available in 2030.