Last week, just three months after the First Steel Cutting and five months ahead of the contractual schedule, the First of Class (FOC) FREMM EVO frigate, designated by the Italian Navy as Nave Bersagliere, has officially begun to take shape.
The First Full Block Ceremony was held at the Riva Trigoso shipyard in the presence of Mr Luigi Durante, OCCAR Horizon Programme Manager, along with representatives from the Italian Navy and the defence industry.
The contract for the construction of two new FREMM EVO (Evolution) frigates was signed in July 2024 by OCCAR and the prime contractor Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), within the framework of the long-standing Franco-Italian FREMM cooperation programme. The delivery of the first unit is scheduled for 2029, followed by the second in 2030.
From a platform perspective, the main technological enhancements will include the integration of a Cyber-Resilient Ship Management System, upgrades to the air conditioning and electrical distribution systems, and the adoption of environmentally sustainable solutions.
The combat system will feature the latest-generation SADOC 4 Cyber-Resilient Combat Management System. Radar sensors will provide enhanced capabilities against theatre ballistic missile (TBM) threats. Additional improvements will involve Electronic Warfare systems, artillery and missile systems, the sonar suite, the communication system, and tactical data links—ensuring the highest levels of operational interoperability.
Furthermore, the FREMM EVO frigates will be equipped with highly reliable systems, supported by tailored maintenance plans to guarantee optimal operational availability and mission readiness.
To date, 17 FREMM frigates have been delivered: nine to Italy (out of twelve planned) and eight to France (out of eight). The tenth Italian FREMM, Nave Emilio Bianchi, is set to be delivered by the end of July.
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