Orizzonte Sistemi Navali S.p.A., a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Finmeccanica (49%), is to construct the ninth and tenth FREMM frigates, completing the supply of 10 vessels to the Italian Navy.
The value of the order amounts to 764 million euros. These units, which are expected to be delivered after 2020, will feature a high degree of flexibility as the previous ones, and will be able to operate in all tactical situations.
144 metres long with a beam of 19.7 metres, the ships will have a displacement at full load of approximately 6,700 tonnes and will have a maximum speed of over 27 knots, providing accommodation for a crew of 200.
The ships of the FREMM program are state of the art vessels of the European and the Italian defence in the Mediterranean Sea and will replace the “Lupo” and “Maestrale” class frigates built by Fincantieri in the 1970s.
Image: DCNS