Fincantieri Cuts Steel for First FREMM EVO Frigate for Italian Navy – Quwa

Fincantieri marked the beginning of development on the Italian Navy’s first FREMM EVO (Evolution) frigate with a steel-cutting ceremony at its Riva Trigoso shipyard close to Genoa on April 3, 2025.

The ceremony was attended by key officers together with Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate (NAVARM), Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Undertaking Administration of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division.

The contract for 2 FREMM EVO frigates was signed in July 2024 between OSN, a three way partnership owned by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), and the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR).

This varieties a part of the multi-year FREMM program aimed toward renewing the Italian Navy’s fleet with a collection of next-generation vessels. The primary FREMM EVO unit is scheduled for supply in 2029, with the second following in 2030. 

The FREMM EVO frigates preserve the identical fundamental dimensions as the present FREMM vessels, with a size of 140 meters, width of 20 meters, and displacement of roughly 6,000-6,500 tonnes.

The brand new frigates retain the confirmed hull design and propulsion system of the present FREMM vessels whereas incorporating redesigned superstructures produced from aluminum alloys to accommodate new sensors

These will change older vessels within the Italian fleet, probably together with the primary two Carlo Bergamini-class FREMM frigates, that are reportedly being provided to Greece.

Greek media studies point out that Athens is advancing negotiations to amass these two frigates with a funds allocation of roughly €580 million ($625 million).

Notes and Feedback

The FREMM EVO program represents a calculated evolution of Italian naval capabilities slightly than a revolutionary departure from present designs. The Italian Navy seems to have pursued a number of key aims with this improvement:

First, the design leverages confirmed hull and propulsion configurations whereas incorporating superior sensors and fight programs. 

This method reduces technical threat whereas delivering enhanced capabilities. By sustaining compatibility with programs developed for different latest Italian naval packages, the Navy additionally advantages from commonality throughout its fleet.

Second, the FREMM EVO immediately addresses rising threats, significantly unmanned programs, as evidenced by latest conflicts in Ukraine and the Pink Sea. 

The incorporation of devoted counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities – notably a brand new lively sensor primarily based on a 4 fixed-face lively electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, digital warfare tools, and electro-optical programs – displays the teachings discovered from up to date naval operations.

Third, the design emphasizes multi-domain operations by its potential to handle unmanned programs throughout air, floor, and subsurface domains, reflecting the Italian Navy’s understanding of the rising significance of unmanned capabilities in future naval warfare.

For instance, the FREMM EVO’s fight administration system (CMS), which will likely be offered by the defence big Leonardo, will embrace an Unmanned Administration Suite (UMS). This may enable the brand new frigates to manage air automobiles from the strict flight deck and unmanned floor vessels carrying autonomous underwater programs.