As part of the multi-year "FREMM" program aimed at renewing the Navy's fleet through the construction of new generation frigates, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo with shares of 51% and 49% respectively , signed with OCCAR (Organization Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement) a contract worth approximately 1,5 billion euros for the construction of two new FREMM Frigates in the “EVOLUTION” version, called “FREMM EVO”.
The two new units will be positioned at the forefront in the military naval context both from a technological and performance point of view, capitalizing on the important technological developments already started within the recent programs of the so-called Naval Law, as well as the Mid Life Upgrade of Class Units Horizon.
The Navy will thus be able to have two new FREMM Frigates which will guarantee high operational performance, with state-of-the-art technology and equipped with cutting-edge systems, as well as modern anti-drone capabilities and more generally capable of operationally managing unmanned systems in three dimensions (above-surface, naval and sub-surface).
The engineering skills of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali at the level of Whole Warship and Combat System they will allow the Navy to have two operationally cutting-edge naval units, technologically state of the art and capable of contributing to strengthening defensive capacity and increasing operational flexibility.
All capabilities and performance in the ASW domain will also be maintained (Anti Submarine Warfare) of the FREMM ASW units currently already in service. The two new units will be built at Fincantieri's Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with the first “FREMM EVO” due for delivery in 2029 and the second in 2030.
In more detail, the main technological modernisation/update interventions will affect the Ship Management System Cyber-resilient, the air conditioning and electrical distribution system, the implementation of specific solutions in order to improve the green footprint of the unit for the Platform System part. The combat system will be updated with modern Combat Management System SADOC 4 Cyber-resilient, radar sensors (in particular with Dual Band DBR-XC radars with fixed faces) capable of supporting the defense against TBM threats, Electronic Warfare, Artillery and Missile Systems, the Sonar Suite, the Communication System and data link tactics capable of ensuring the highest and most effective level of interoperability.
The "FREMM EVO" will be equipped with highly reliable equipment, accompanied by adequate maintenance plans such as to guarantee the required readiness with high levels of operational availability.
Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Navy, commented: “The acquisition of the two New Generation FREMM Frigates (EVO) is part of the broader renewal and modernization plan of the Naval Instrument that the Navy has launched to respond adaptively, promptly and effectively, to current and future scenarios of a world that has changed rapidly in recent years. The evolution of the FREMM is conceived by capitalizing on a project that has demonstrated over the years its full compliance with the needs of the Armed Forces and has received very broad international consensus. Starting from this very solid foundation, we have integrated on the FREMM latest generation technologies and modern systems that expand the defense capabilities of the ship and the spectrum of activities that can be carried out within the missions that can be carried out for the defense and security of the country, to protect the cluster national maritime - of which we are the catalyst - to keep the maritime communication routes and straits open, to monitor and keep the seabed safe and to project diplomacy, culture and Made in Italy, as well as support for those in need".
Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi NavaliSaid: “The signing today of the contract for the supply to the Navy of two further FREMMs in EVO configuration is the result of close collaboration between institutions, armed forces and private industry. I thank all those who contributed with their commitment and expertise to this success, making it possible to finalize this contract which represents an important milestone for the entire National Defense Industry, for Fincantieri and Leonardo, main players in the Italian Defense national and international level, as well as for all small and medium-sized enterprises that constitute the backbone of the national production fabric".
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of FincantieriSaid: “For us, the relaunch of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali represents the commitment to creating a single point of integration between the naval skills of Fincantieri and those of Leonardo's armament systems. It is the place to measure the country's ability to preside over and develop the best of military naval skills in the interest of our Navy, representing the tradition and technological excellence of our industry. The creation of the new FREMM EVO will be the evolution of the frigate that has constituted an international standard over the last 20 years in which we will apply new technological solutions validated in all dimensions from cybersecurity to underwater."
"With the new FREMM EVOs, the Italian Navy will be able to count on latest generation naval vessels, reliable, sustainable and with advanced operational capabilities. We are proud to contribute to this highly relevant project, which demonstrates how the synergy between public and private can create important economic and technological opportunities", commented Lorenzo Mariani, co-director general of Leonardo, adding: “We will continue to support the development of these technological excellences with determination and competence, aware of their strategic role for the security of our country and their positive impact on the national production fabric”.
In the coming weeks, OSN will conclude the sub-contracting contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, which will have a value of approximately 690 million euros and approximately 415 million euros respectively.
The one with Fincantieri constitutes a transaction between related parties of greater importance. For Leonardo, the envisaged subcontracting contract represents a related party transaction of lesser importance by virtue of the value of the contract and the relevance indices applicable to the case in point. Both operations are defined in compliance with the relevant applicable legislation and benefit from the exclusion from the procedural regime provided for operations with subsidiaries (even jointly), pursuant to the current regulations and the respective procedures adopted.
