Fincantieri Unveils Ambitious Journey: Launching the Italian Navy’s Premier FREMM EVO Frigate
The steel-cutting event for the inaugural unit of two advanced FREMM frigates of the “EVOLUTION” variant, referred to as “FREMM EVO”, occurred on Thursday at the Riva Trigoso (Genoa, Italy) shipbuilding facility.
The gathering was graced by notable figures including the Head of the Naval Armaments Directorate – NAVARM, Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, the Chief Executive Officer of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, Giovanni Sorrentino, and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management for the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division.
A contract for the crafting of the two new “FREMM EVO” vessels was finalized in July 2024 by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a collaboration owned by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement). This venture is part of the extensive “FREMM” initiative, which focuses on revitalizing the fleet of the Italian Navy through the creation of next-gen frigates. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2029, while the second will follow in 2030.
The groundbreaking “FREMM EVO” vessels will represent the forefront of naval military craft, excelling in technology and performance by leveraging crucial technological advancements achieved through recent initiatives under the Defence Act, along with the Mid Life Upgrade project aimed at Horizon-class destroyers.
The Italian Navy will benefit from two ships providing exceptional operational capabilities, integrated with state-of-the-art technology and innovative systems, including advanced anti-drone features and the ability for operational management of unmanned systems across three dimensions (above, on, and below the water surface).
Specifically, the primary enhancements and technological upgrades will focus on the Cyber-resilient Ship Management System, the climate control and electrical distribution systems, as well as the integration of targeted solutions designed to reduce the vessel’s environmental impact within the Platform System.
The Combat System will undergo enhancements with the state-of-the-art Cyber-resilient Combat Management System SADOC 4, radar sensors (notably featuring fixed-face X-C dual-band radars) capable of defending against TBM threats, Electronic Warfare capabilities, Artillery and Missile systems, the Sonar Suite, Communication Systems, and tactical data links, guaranteeing the highest standards of interoperability.
In conclusion, the “FREMM EVO” frigates will be equipped with exceptionally reliable hardware, supported by rigorous maintenance strategies to ensure their readiness for deployment, achieving high levels of operational availability.
Fincantieri stands as one of the largest shipbuilding organizations globally and is the sole entity engaged in all high-tech maritime industry segments. It leads in constructing and transforming cruise, naval, and oil & gas vessels, alongside offshore wind platforms and is involved in the production of systems and equipment components, after-sales support, and marine interior solutions.
With an extensive history spanning over 230 years and exceeding 7,000 vessels constructed, Fincantieri preserves its knowledge, expertise, and management centers in Italy, employing 11,000 personnel and creating around 90,000 jobs, which multiply globally due to a production network encompassing 18 shipyards operating around the world, employing over 22,000 individuals.
