Fincantieri has officially begun construction of the Italian Navy’s next-generation European multi-purpose frigate (FREMM EVO) with a steel-cutting ceremony held at its facility in Riva Trigoso, Genoa. This milestone signifies the start of a project that was contracted in 2024, which sees Rome engaging in a strategic collaboration with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali—a consortium formed by Fincantieri, Leonardo, and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
The FREMM EVO will mark the introduction of a new fleet system for Italy, with plans for a secondary hull to be completed by 2026. The first two ships are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030, solidifying Italy’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.
The design of Italy’s new warships is rooted in a proven framework, the FREMM model, developed through a cooperative effort between the Italian and French governments. This class of frigates is currently operational within both NATO collaborative forces, designated the Bergamini class in Italy and the Aquitaine class in France.
Despite their consistent foundational architecture, these warships are uniquely tailored to meet the specific operational needs of their respective navies. The FREMM frigates feature diverse mission profiles, allowing for configurations that support either general-purpose operations or focused anti-submarine warfare. Beyond Italy and France, other users of this system include the Egyptian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy.
In an expansion of its FREMM pedigree, Fincantieri’s American branch, Marinette Marine, was commissioned by the Pentagon in 2020 to construct a variant of the FREMM design for the US Navy in Wisconsin. Additionally, the Indonesian Navy has made significant investments in the class, purchasing six FREMM vessels from the Italian shipbuilder in 2021.
The FREMM EVO is designed to be an advanced warship, measuring 145 meters (476 feet) in length and featuring a beam of 20 meters (66 feet). It will boast an array of armaments, including anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, decoy launchers, and naval weapon turrets, all integrated with a cutting-edge cyber-resilient sensor and communication suite.
With the capacity to accommodate up to 180 personnel, the FREMM EVO can also operate two maritime helicopters and deploy inflatable support boats. The frigate is designed for high performance, capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) and boasting a range of 6,800 nautical miles (7,825 miles/12,600 kilometers), underscoring its role as a formidable asset in maritime defense.
