The Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) has signed the second amendment to the Horizon-class frigates’ Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) contract, enabling the next phase of modernization work on the four ships operated by the French and Italian navies.
OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker, EUROSAM CEO Anne Diaz de Tuesta and NAVIRIS CEO Damien Raby signed Amendment No. 2 in Bonn, Germany, on August 7.
The amendment introduces the contractual, technical and commercial changes required to support the continuation of the Horizon MLU program. It also establishes the contractual framework for work to begin on the First Italian Ship (FOC IT), with onboard activities scheduled to start at the end of September.
The Horizon MLU program is intended to address obsolescence across the ships' systems and equipment while introducing upgraded capabilities to maintain their operational effectiveness.
The modernization effort includes advanced anti-air warfare capabilities, enhanced electronic warfare systems, modernized sensors and radars, improved command-and-control functions, and upgraded threat detection and engagement capabilities.
The upgrades are also intended to improve the frigates' survivability against evolving threats.
The Horizon class comprises four air-defense frigates: the French Navy's Forbin and Chevalier Paul, and the Italian Navy's Andrea Doria and Caio Duilio. The ships entered service between 2008 and 2010.
The latest contract amendment marks another step in the programme and supports continued cooperation between OCCAR, EUROSAM, NAVIRIS, France and Italy on the modernization of the Horizon fleet.