FREMM EVO Frigate Overview
FREMM EVO is the Evolution configuration of the Italian FREMM, or European Multi-Mission Frigate, developed for the Italian Navy under the long-running Franco-Italian FREMM program. The ships are being built by Fincantieri at the Riva Trigoso and Muggiano integrated shipyards, with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali serving as prime contractor and whole-warship/combat-system design authority. OSN is a joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo.
The design keeps the proven Italian FREMM hull and anti-submarine warfare baseline while incorporating a substantially modernized combat system, redesigned superstructures and new cyber-resilient ship-management architecture. The class is intended to strengthen the Italian Navy’s high-end escort force for anti-submarine warfare, air defense, counter-drone operations, maritime security and support to multidomain unmanned systems.
Development and Program Status
Italy ordered two FREMM EVO frigates through OCCAR in July 2024 under a contract valued at approximately €1.5bn. The first unit, Nave Bersagliere, entered physical construction in 2025 and is scheduled for delivery in 2029. The second ship, Nave Aviere, began steel cutting in July 2026 and is planned for delivery in 2030.
The program passed major design milestones before the transition into production. The system design review was completed in 2025, followed by the critical design review covering platform, combat system and whole-warship/integrated logistics areas. The two vessels will bring the Italian FREMM fleet to twelve ships when delivered.
Design, Propulsion and Seakeeping
The FREMM EVO uses the hull form and CODLAG propulsion concept of the Italian FREMM family, preserving the quiet-running characteristics needed for anti-submarine work. The design uses new superstructure blocks to accommodate larger fixed-face sensors, electronic-warfare apertures and improved topside integration while managing weight and stability.
The propulsion plant is based on one 32MW-class gas turbine, electric propulsion motors, diesel generators and two controllable-pitch propellers, supported by an electrically driven azimuthal auxiliary propulsor. The frigate is expected to achieve more than 27kt in gas-turbine mode, operate at lower speeds on electric propulsion and sustain long-range deployments of about 6,000nm at 15kt.
Combat System and Sensors
The principal combat-system change is the adoption of Leonardo’s cyber-resilient SADOC 4 combat management system, integrated with modern communications, tactical data links and an updated electronic-warfare suite. The ship is designed around fixed-face X/C dual-band radar architecture, providing 360° coverage and improved capability against air, missile and theatre ballistic missile threats.
FREMM EVO also introduces a stronger counter-uncrewed-air-system architecture, combining radar, electronic support, electronic attack and electro-optical surveillance with hard-kill effectors. The ship’s command system is intended to manage unmanned systems operating above the surface, on the surface and below the surface, giving the frigate a broader role in distributed maritime operations.
Armament and ASW Capability
The planned weapons fit centers on Aster-family surface-to-air missiles launched from Sylver A50 vertical launch cells, supported by dual 76/62mm Super Rapido Strales guns and 30mm Leonardo Lionfish remote weapon stations for close-in and asymmetric-threat engagements. Anti-surface capability is planned around MBDA Italia Teseo Mk2/E missile launchers, while anti-submarine armament includes MU90 lightweight torpedoes fired from shipborne triple launchers.
The FREMM EVO retains the ASW emphasis of the Italian FREMM ASW configuration. Its underwater-warfare suite is centered on bow sonar, mine/collision-avoidance sonar, a variable-depth sonar and towed-array capability, integrated with embarked helicopters. Space has been retained for possible additional vertical-launch capacity and deep-strike integration, but those elements should be treated as growth provisions or study areas unless fitted under a defined configuration.
Aviation and Mission Roles
The frigate has a flight deck and two hangars sized for naval helicopters such as the NH90 NFH and EH101, supporting anti-submarine, anti-surface, surveillance, logistics and boarding missions. The aviation facilities are also expected to support future unmanned air vehicles as part of the ship’s wider unmanned-systems operating concept.
In service, FREMM EVO is intended to act as a high-end escort for carrier, amphibious or surface action groups, while remaining suitable for independent deployments. Its combination of quiet ASW performance, modern area-defense sensors, cyber-resilient automation and counter-UAS capability reflects the Italian Navy’s requirement for a frigate optimized for contested maritime environments through the 2030s.
