The steel-cutting ceremony for the first of the 2 FREMM EVO frigates—the latest evolution of the FREMM-class—was held today at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso shipyard (Genoa). The ships are being built for the Italian Navy, marking the official start of construction on what will become the most advanced variants of the BERGAMINI-class to date.
Among those in attendance were Admiral Inspector Chief Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate (NAVARM), Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management for Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division.
The contract for the construction of the 2 FREMM EVO frigates, valued at approximately €1.5 billion, was signed on 31 July 2024 between Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN)—a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%)—and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement).
The ships will be built at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyards in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano (La Spezia), with delivery of the first unit expected in 2029, followed by the second in 2030. With these 2 additions, the Italian Navy will operate a total of 12 FREMM-class frigates: 4 GP, 4 ASW, 2 ASW Enhanced, and 2 EVO.
Key Capabilities and Systems
The FREMM EVO variant brings several major upgrades. According to recent details, the ships will be equipped with the MdCN (Missile de Croisière Naval)—also known as SCALP NAVAL—by MBDA. The vertical launch system will consist of 32 cells:
- 16 SYLVER A50 (2 modules of 8 cells)
- 16 SYLVER A70 (2 modules of 8 cells)
Each ship will also feature the ADRIAN counter-UAV system, designed to neutralize mini/micro drones and sub-tactical UAVs up to 100 kg.
In terms of sensors, the EVOs will be equipped with Leonardo’s KRONOS Dual Band Radar (DBR), combining the KRONOS QUAD (C-band) and KRONOS STARFIRE (X-band)—enhancing detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities across multiple threat domains.
For hard-kill anti-drone defense, each vessel will be armed with 2 LIONFISH 30 mm remote-controlled naval gun systems, developed by Leonardo.
The Combat Management System will also receive a major update, with integration of the SADOC 4 system (also referred to as ATHENA Mk-2, according to Leonardo's internal designation).
(Photo: A FREMM EVO scale model on display at Fincantieri’s stand during Euronaval 2024. Credit: Eugenio Po)
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