Italy has signed a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) contract for two new DDX naval destroyers, a program that shipbuilders say will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Italian Navy.
The agreement, arranged through the European defense procurement organization OCCAR, calls for the two warships to be delivered in 2033 and 2035.
The contract was awarded to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture between Italy’s state-owned shipbuilder Fincantieri and defense company Leonardo. Fincantieri owns a 51% stake in OSN, while Leonardo holds the remaining 49%.
According to Fincantieri, each DDX destroyer will have a displacement of approximately 13,500 tonnes and measure 180 meters in length. The ships will accommodate a crew of 251 and have an operational range of around 4,000 nautical miles.
Advanced Digital and Combat Systems
The new destroyers will incorporate a range of advanced digital technologies. Leonardo will provide the ships’ combat management system, which is designed around a highly digitized architecture.
The vessels will also feature a dedicated DC power sub-network supported by an energy-storage system, along with a new stabilization technology integrated with the ships’ steering system.
Additional developments include updated methods for managing thermal and electrical power requirements and further digital enhancements to the Ship Management System.
For command and control, the DDX ships will be equipped with Leonardo’s SADOC 5 system. Their sensor suite will include a digital S-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, while MBDA will supply the ships’ weapon systems.
Continuing Italian Fleet Modernization
The DDX program represents another major step in Italy’s long-running effort to modernize its naval fleet.
In recent years, the Italian Navy has ordered and introduced a range of new platforms, including FREMM frigates, PPA multipurpose offshore patrol ships, a new landing helicopter dock, submarines and logistics vessels.
The DDX destroyers will initially operate alongside Italy’s existing Horizon-class air-defense destroyers. Over time, the two new ships are expected to replace those vessels as the Italian Navy’s fleet modernization program progresses.
With their combination of advanced sensors, digital command systems, power-management technologies and modern weapon systems, the DDX ships are intended to provide Italy with a substantially upgraded surface-combat capability when they enter service in the 2030s.
