Naviris and Eurosam Win Major Contract for Horizon Class Revitalization
OCCAR, in partnership with Naviris and Eurosam, has successfully concluded a contract valued at €1.5bn for the mid-life enhancement (MLE) of the French and Italian Horizon frigates.
This enhancement will allow the vessels to integrate anti-warfare technologies and command and control systems to strengthen their capabilities against contemporary threats. The collaboration between Naviris, Eurosam, and their stakeholders—Fincantieri, Naval Group, MBDA Italia, MBDA France, and Thales—will transform the Horizon frigates significantly.
The modernization will incorporate advanced weapon systems, sophisticated command and control functionalities, and electronic warfare suites. These enhancements will elevate performance against modern threats, including hypersonic, ballistic, supersonic sea-skimming, high-velocity cruise missiles, UAVs, and highly maneuverable aircraft during saturation attack scenarios.
A key feature of the enhancement is the rollout of the next-generation PAAMS & LRR, an anti-air warfare system.
Developed and manufactured by Eurosam through MBDA Italia, MBDA France, and Thales, the enhanced system comprises an improved missile (ASTER Block 1 NT), a revamped launcher, two novel AESA radars (Kronos Grand Naval from Leonardo and SMART-L MM/N from Thales), and an innovative open software architecture command and control system. This technology will ensure that the frigates maintain operational effectiveness in air defense missions.
Eva Bruxmeier, Managing Director of Eurosam, praised the achievements of the PAAMS & LRR system: “The PAAMS & LRR, a distinctive system utilized on the four French and Italian frigates, has been effectively deployed around the globe for over 15 years in synergy with the UK variant on the six Type-45 destroyers.”
This next-gen PAAMS & LRR for the frigates, developed and produced by Eurosam alongside MBDA Italia, MBDA France, and Thales, relies on an advanced missile (ASTER Block 1 NT), an upgraded launcher, two fresh AESA radars (Kronos Grand Naval from Leonardo and SMART-L MM/N from Thales), and a newly established open software architecture command and control system.
In January 2023, EUROSAM, MBDA, and Thales entered into a five-year in-service support agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation’s (OCCAR) FSAF–PAAMS Programme Division.
The Horizon frigates were constructed between 2000 and 2010 as part of a coordinated initiative between Fincantieri and Naval Group, entering service with the French Navy in 2011. This enhancement initiative aims to bolster the naval forces of Italy and France with frigates outfitted with state-of-the-art anti-air capabilities.
With the Mid-Life Enhancement, the Horizon class frigates are set to continue their role as frontline combat ships with specialized missions in air defense warfare. These vessels will be pivotal in airspace management, Air Defense command, and anti-air protection for carrier groups and convoys, defending against high-intensity threats and anti-ship missile strikes.
The initiative is projected to reinforce the frigates for high-intensity engagements while minimizing crew requirements, simultaneously aiding air and sea dominance during allied military operations.
