Italian Navy’s First FREMM EVO Frigate Begins Construction

The Italian Navy’s first next-generation FREMM EVO frigate entered production on April 3, with a steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso shipyard in Genoa.

The contract for two FREMM EVO frigates was signed in July 2024 between OSN—a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%)—and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement). The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2029, with the second to follow in 2030.

The FREMM EVO variant incorporates technological advancements from recent defense programs and the Horizon-class destroyers' Mid-Life Upgrade. These new frigates will feature anti-drone capabilities and the ability to manage unmanned systems in aerial, surface, and underwater operations. They will also retain the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) features of the current FREMM ASW units.

Key upgrades include a cyber-resilient Ship Management System, modernized air-conditioning and electrical distribution, and eco-friendly enhancements to reduce the ship’s environmental impact. The Combat System will integrate the SADOC 4 Cyber-resilient Combat Management System, fixed-face X-C dual-band radars for ballistic missile defense, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and improved artillery and missile systems. Additionally, an upgraded sonar suite and tactical communication links will ensure high interoperability.

Both ships will be built at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso and Muggiano shipyards.