Fincantieri Launches Innovative FREMM EVO Frigate for the Italian Navy

The inaugural steel-cutting event for the first of two advanced FREMM frigates of the “EVOLUTION” variant, referred to as “FREMM EVO”, occurred on Thursday at the Riva Trigoso shipyard (Genoa, Italy).

Among those present at the ceremony were Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate – NAVARM, Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management for the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division.

The agreement for the fabrication of the two new “FREMM EVO” units was formalized in July 2024 between Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint entity comprised of Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), along with OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement). This initiative is part of the extensive “FREMM” program aimed at updating the Italian Navy’s fleet via the creation of next-gen frigates. The first unit is projected for delivery in 2029, while the second is set for 2030.

The forthcoming “FREMM EVO” vessels will represent the forefront of naval military technology and capabilities, leveraging significant advancements from recent initiatives under the Defence Act and the Mid Life Upgrade scheme for the Horizon-class destroyers.

The Italian Navy will have access to two ships that guarantee exceptional operational capacity, with cutting-edge technology, modern systems, and the latest anti-drone capabilities, in addition to the ability to manage unmanned systems across three dimensions (above the surface, on the water, and beneath the sea).

Specifically, the key enhancements and technological upgrades will focus on the Cyber-resilient Ship Management System, air-conditioning and electrical distribution systems, along with targeted solutions to enhance the ship’s environmental impact for the Platform System.

The Combat System will undergo upgrades featuring the contemporary Cyber-resilient Combat Management System SADOC 4, radar sensors (including fixed-face X-C dual-band radars) that will assist in countering TBM threats, Electronic Warfare, Artillery and Missile Systems, Sonar Suite, Communication System, and tactical data links, ensuring the highest and most efficient interoperability standards.

Ultimately, the “FREMM EVO” frigates will be equipped with reliable hardware, supported by robust maintenance strategies to assure operational readiness, providing elevated levels of availability for action.

Fincantieri ranks as one of the globe’s largest shipbuilding enterprises, the sole entity engaged across all advanced maritime industry sectors. It leads in the creation and modification of cruise, naval, and oil & gas as well as wind offshore vessels, in addition to producing systems and components, after-sales support, and marine interior solutions.

With extensive expertise in complex project management, the Group holds top-tier references in infrastructure and is a significant player in digital technologies, cybersecurity, electronics, and advanced systems.

Boasting over 230 years of history and in excess of 7,000 vessels constructed, Fincantieri preserves its knowledge, expertise, and management hubs in Italy, employing 11,000 workers and generating around 90,000 jobs, which doubles globally due to its production network of 18 shipyards operating internationally and over 22,000 employees.