The deal is expected to be around three billion euros. France was also in the race
Portugal has chosen the Italian frigates FREMM EVO to strengthen the Navy, CNN Portugal has learned.
In all, there will be three frigates, in a deal that is around three billion euros. The FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) EVO will be manufactured by the Italian Fincantieri, one of the largest shipyards in the world, and are considered among the best in the world in their class.
CNN Portugal knows that it was the intention of the Portuguese Navy to opt for the Italian frigates over the French ones, built by Naval Group.
This investment takes place under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program, a European Commission program that will distribute 150 billion euros in loans with competitive conditions to its member states. In addition to the frigates, Portugal will use the funds to produce armored vehicles and buy satellites and anti-aircraft defense systems.
Portugal currently has five frigates – the NRP Vasco da Gama, Álvares Cabral, Corte Real, Bartolomeu Dias and D. Francisco de Almeida – built more than thirty years ago and which need to be replaced in the coming years.
Currently, only Italy and Egypt have these frigates in service.
It should be recalled that, on November 26, the Defence Ministers of Portugal and Italy signed a declaration of intent on cooperation, especially with a focus on industry, in a context in which the Italians were applying to sell three frigates, and at the time Nuno Melo stated that there was still “no decision” made on the deal.
Article by CNN Portugal
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