The OCCAR-EA Director, Mr Joachim Sucker, the Chief Executive Officer of EUROSAM GIE, Mrs Anne Diaz de Tuesta, and the Chief Executive Officer of NAVIRIS, Mr. Damien Raby, have signed Amendment No. 2 to the Horizon Mid-Life-Upgrade (MLU) contract.
This amendment incorporates the contractual, technical and commercial updates required to support the next phase of the Horizon MLU Programme and to ensure the timely continuation of the planned modernization activities for the four Horizon-class frigates operated by the French 🇫🇷 and Italian 🇮🇹 Navies.
The primary objective of Amendment No. 2 is to introduce all contractual changes necessary to enable the start of works onboard the First Italian Ship (FOC IT), scheduled to commence at the end of September. The amendment provides the contractual framework required to launch these activities while maintaining programme coherence and ensuring alignment with the operational requirements of the Participating Nations.
The Horizon MLU Programme continues to address system and equipment obsolescence issues through the design, development and onboard integration of advanced capabilities.
Key technology upgrades include:
• Advanced Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) capabilities
• Enhanced Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS)
• Modernised sensors and radar systems
• Improved command-and-control functions
• Upgraded threat detection and engagement capabilities
• Increased ship survivability against evolving threats
These improvements will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness, resilience and survivability of the ships against current and emerging threats.
The signature of Amendment No. 2 represents another important milestone for the programme and demonstrates the strong cooperation among OCCAR, industry and the Participating Nations in delivering critical naval capabilities.
Through the OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) framework, the longstanding strategic collaboration between France 🇫🇷 and Italy 🇮🇹 in the naval domain continues to deliver tangible benefits and reinforces European defence cooperation.
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