NAVIRIS PAVES THE WAY FOR HORIZON FRIGATE REVITALIZATION
On June 20th, at the Paris Air Show, representatives from France and Italy formalized a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) for the four Horizon Frigates belonging to the French and Italian Navies. The upgrade project will be managed by Naviris, a joint venture equally owned by Fincantieri and Naval Group, alongside Eurosam, a consortium created by MBDA and Thales. A formal agreement is expected to be established in a matter of weeks between Naviris, Eurosam, and OCCAR, which represents both Italy and France.
This initiative comes after a feasibility study phase that was initiated in 2020, with Naviris serving as the primary contractor in collaboration with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation). This study represented
the initial phase of the project and primarily concentrated on enhancing the anti-aircraft defense system of the four ships. It was designed to discern and evaluate the modifications necessary for upgrading the capabilities of the French and Italian Horizon class Frigates throughout their operational lifespan.
This partnership encompasses a comprehensive modernization of the Frigates, emphasizing the anti-aircraft defense system (which includes radars, armaments, and associated Control and Command), the vessel’s platform and combat system, as well as electronic warfare systems standardized for both nations.
Naviris will collaborate closely with its co-contractor Eurosam, its parent corporations Fincantieri and Naval Group, alongside its other industrial affiliates including Leonardo, Thales, MBDA, and Sigen. Naviris will oversee the Combat System Modernization (Anti-Air Warfare integration, new electronic warfare, new communication systems, new combat management system, upgrades, and obsolescence management, as well as new optronic systems) and platform enhancements (new ship management system, upgrades, and obsolescence management), while Eurosam will upgrade the anti-aircraft warfare capabilities (C2 PAAMS, new radar systems).
The Horizon Frigates were initially constructed between 2000 and 2010 as part of a collaborative program between Fincantieri and Naval Group, delivering two state-of-the-art anti-air Frigates to both the Italian and French Navies. In this framework, the coordinated efforts of seven industrial partners led by Naviris will address the need to optimize the Frigates’ performance, availability, and maintenance.
This contract signifies the continuation of an enduring industrial collaboration between France and Italy. The upgrade of the Horizon Frigates, conducted jointly by the two nations through their Naviris subsidiary, is integral to this ongoing partnership. Naviris, backed by its parent companies Naval Group and Fincantieri, has established with Eurosam an industrial initiative that also represents a binational collaboration between France and Italy.
Key Specifications of the Four Horizon Frigates
- Length / overall beam: 153 m / 20.3 m
- Displacement / full load: 6,500 tons / 7,300 tons
- Capacity: 210 (crew of 190 + 20 passengers)
- Range: 7,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
- Maximum velocity: 29 knots
The vessel is engineered for a variety of missions, including high-intensity operations, all while maintaining a reduced crew complement. Horizon Frigates are frontline combat ships with a primary mission in anti-air warfare, also referred to as air defense. Their core abilities encompass airspace control over operational zones, air defense command and control, and anti-air coverage for carrier groups and convoys. Horizon Frigates deliver protective measures against high-intensity threats and assaults from anti-ship missiles. Furthermore, they support air/sea control during military engagements by providing air defense command and control for allied forces. They are also capable of undertaking public service missions.
