Orizzonte Sistemi Navali signs 1.5 billion contract for two frigates for the Italian Navy

Two new generation Fremm Evo frigates are on the way for the Italian Navy. They will be built by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (Osn), the 50-50 joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), which has signed a €1.5 billion contract with Occar (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement) for the construction of the two units in the 'Evolution' version, an advanced piece of equipment in terms of both technology and performance. In the coming weeks, Osn will conclude sub-contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, which will be worth about EUR 690 million and about EUR 415 million respectively.

The Navy will therefore have two new Fremm Frigates that will guarantee high operational performance, thanks to state-of-the-art technology, and will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems and modern anti-drone capabilities. More generally, the two units will be able to operationally manage unmanned systems, i.e. remotely piloted, in the three dimensions (above the surface, naval and below the surface).

The contract will also ensure the maintenance of all the capabilities and performance in the ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) domain of the Fremm Asw units currently in service. The two new vessels will be built at Fincantieri's Riva Trigoso and Muggiano integrated shipyard, with the first 'Fremm Evo' due for delivery in 2029 and the second in 2030. The ships will be equipped with highly reliable equipment, accompanied by adequate maintenance plans to ensure the required readiness with high levels of operational availability.

"The acquisition is part of the broader plan for the renewal and modernisation of the naval instrument that the Navy has launched to respond adaptively, promptly and effectively to the current and future scenarios of a world that has changed abruptly in recent years," said Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Navy. The evolution of the Fremm is conceived by capitalising on a project that has demonstrated over the years that it fully meets the needs of the Armed Force and has gained widespread international consensus. Starting from this very solid base, we have integrated state-of-the-art technologies and modern systems on the Fremm that expand the ship's defence capabilities and the spectrum of activities that can be carried out within the scope of the missions that can be performed for the defence and security of the country, to protect the national maritime cluster - of which we are the catalyst - to keep the sea lanes and straits open, to guard and keep the seabed safe, and to project diplomacy, culture and Made in Italy, as well as support for those in need".

"Today's signing of the contract for the supply to the Navy of two additional Fremm in Evo configuration is the result of close cooperation between institutions, the armed forces and private industry," commented Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Osn. I would like to thank all those who have contributed with their commitment and expertise to this success, making it possible to finalise this contract, which represents an important milestone for the entire national defence industry, for Fincantieri and Leonardo, the main players in Italian defence at national and international level, and for all the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the national production fabric.