NAVIRIS Pioneers Feasibility Blueprint for Horizon Frigates’ Mid-Life Transformation
Genova, July 22, 2020 – Today, Naviris, the joint venture equally owned by Fincantieri and Naval Group, has formalized an agreement with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) for a study on the feasibility of the mid-life upgrade (MLU) for the four Horizon frigates. Naviris will collaborate closely with its industrial associates Fincantieri, Naval Group, Leonardo, Thales, Eurosam, MBDA, and Sigen. This contract marks the second agreement Naviris has established since its inception in January 2020, following a Research & Technology contract finalized in June.
Giuseppe Bono and Claude Centofanti, Naviris’ Chairman and CEO respectively, stated: “We are truly honored by this contract signing and extend our gratitude not only to our client – OCCAR – but also to Segredifesa and the French General Procurement Agency for the close Italo-French collaboration that enabled us to achieve this outcome in a notably brief timeframe, especially during such a challenging period for organizing collective efforts and exchanges. The strength of the alliance between Fincantieri and Naval Group was recently reaffirmed by the Defense Ministers of both nations through their words of commendation, which we find very gratifying.”
The Feasibility Study, which will be conducted over the coming twelve months, will serve as the initial phase of the project, concentrating primarily on enhancing the Anti-Air Warfare capabilities of the four vessels.
The initiative will be executed by Naviris with the backing of Fincantieri and Naval Group, alongside major Combat System suppliers (EUROSAM, THALES, LEONARDO, MBDA, and SIGEN). The goal is to identify and evaluate the necessary modifications for the French and Italian Horizon class destroyers to enhance their capabilities throughout their operational lifecycle. This endeavor aims to present Nations with configurations that can ensure an adequate response to threat scenarios defined by the clients.
The study will engage highly skilled engineers and technicians from Naviris, Naval Group, and Fincantieri, fostering close cooperation with teams established by the Combat System Suppliers, all of which are located in Italy and France.
The Horizon frigates were originally constructed between 2000 and 2010 through a unified program between Fincantieri and Naval Group, equipping the Italian and French Navies with two top-tier anti-air frigates each. In this context, the coordinated effort, spearheaded by Naviris, of the seven industrial partners involved with the Horizon Frigates will address the need for optimization of the frigates’ performance, availability, and maintenance. The intricacy of this advanced study requires the involvement of leading experts from diverse companies, aiming to be finalized within just one year. Naviris, in its leadership role, will ensure a synergistic and focused coordination of varying companies’ expertise, with the ambition of achieving the final result promptly and efficiently through collaborative teamwork.
Main features of the four Horizon frigates
Length / beam overall: 153 m / 20.3 m
Displacement / full load: 6,500 tonnes / 7,300 tonnes
Accommodation: 210 (complement of 190 + 20 passengers)
Range: 7,000 nm at 18 knots
Maximum speed: 29 knots
The vessel is engineered for a variety of missions, including high-intensity operations, all with reduced crew requirements. Horizon frigates are frontline combat ships with a specialized mission: anti-air warfare, also referred to as air defense. The primary capabilities of these vessels include airspace control over operational zones, air defense command and oversight, and anti-air coverage for carrier groups and convoys. Horizon frigates deliver protection against high-intensity threats and assaults from anti-ship missiles. They also enhance air/sea control during military operations by maintaining air defense command over allied forces. Furthermore, they can engage in civil service missions.
