The event saw the participation of several high-ranking officials, including Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate (NAVARM), Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management for the Naval Ships Division at Fincantieri.
In July 2024, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali—a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%)—signed a contract with OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement) for the construction of two next-generation “FREMM EVO” frigates. This acquisition is part of the broader multi-year FREMM program, which aims to modernize the naval fleet through the integration of advanced frigate platforms. The first vessel is slated for delivery in 2029, with the second following in 2030.
The FREMM EVO-class frigates represent a significant leap in naval warfare capabilities, integrating advanced technologies and performance enhancements derived from recent naval procurement initiatives, including the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of Orizzonte-class vessels. These ships will provide the fleet with a highly capable multi-domain combat platform, incorporating state-of-the-art sensor suites, enhanced anti-drone warfare capabilities, and expanded unmanned system integration for surface, subsurface, and aerial operations.
Key modernization efforts will focus on enhancing cyber resilience within the Ship Management System, upgrading environmental and energy-efficiency solutions within the platform’s infrastructure, and integrating next-generation combat systems. The combat suite will feature the SADOC 4 Cyber-Resilient Combat Management System, advanced radar sensors—including fixed-face Dual Band DBR-X-C radars optimized for ballistic missile defense (BMD)—and comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW), missile, artillery, sonar, and communication systems. Tactical data link enhancements will ensure a heightened level of interoperability across joint and allied operations.
Furthermore, the FREMM EVO-class frigates will be equipped with high-reliability systems, supported by robust maintenance frameworks designed to sustain operational readiness at optimal availability levels. These advancements will ensure the Navy’s ability to maintain a technological edge in modern maritime security and warfare operations.
