Italy: 2 ×SH90or 1 × SH90 and 1 ×AW101 (armed with MU 90 torpedoes or MBDAMarte Mk2/S missiles)
Aviation facilities
France: single hangar
Italy: double hangar
Notes
Italy: 1 x RHIB SOLAS (Hatecke 7,5 m), 1 x RHIB Zodiac Hurricane 9,35 m and 1 RHIB CABAT 11 m on the stern
The European multi-purposefrigate orFREMM (French:Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission; Italian:Fregata Europea Multi-Missione) is a Franco-Italian family of warships designed byNaval Group andFincantieri. This surface combatant is known in France as theAquitaine class (17 units planned, of which 9 were later cancelled) and in Italy as theBergamini class (10 units planned). The lead ship of the class,Aquitaine, wascommissioned in November 2012 by theFrench Navy. Italy has ordered six general purpose and four anti-submarine variants. France, on the other hand, has ordered six anti-submarine variants and two air-defense ones.
The FREMM has also been exported to various countries. Notably, theUnited States Navy selected a FREMM variant for their newConstellation class of 20 frigates, to be built by Fincantieri, starting with aUS$795 million contract for thelead ship.[5]
Three original variants of the FREMM were proposed; ananti-submarine variant (ASW) and a general-purpose variant (GP) and a land-attack variant (AVT) to replace the existing classes of frigates within theFrench andItalian navies. A total of 27 FREMM were to be constructed (17 for France and 10 for Italy) with additional aims to seek exports. However, budget cuts and changing requirements saw this number drop significantly for France, while the order for Italy remained unchanged. The land-attack variant (AVT) was subsequently cancelled.[citation needed]
A thirdanti-air warfare variant of FREMM was proposed by DCNS in response to French requirements for a new air-defence frigate, the new variant became known as FREDA ("FREgates de Défense Aériennes", "Air defence frigate"). This new French requirement was due to the third and fourthHorizon-class frigates being cancelled after the first two cost €1.35B each, but this decision left French Navy still in-need of replacements for its agingCassard-class air-defence frigates.[14]
As of 2009, the FREDA design features a more powerful version of theHéraklèspassive electronically scanned arrayradar and 32 cells ofSYLVER A50vertical launch system in place of the 16 cells of A43 and 16 cells of A70. The SYLVER A50 would allow it to fire the 120-kilometre (75 mi)-rangeAster 30 missile. While at one point it was determined that the towed arraysonar would not be fitted, this has subsequently been retained on the FREDA design.[10][15]
Initial planning assumptions for the Italian Navy are ten FREMM-IT (four ASW variants and six GP variants) at a cost of€5.9 billion. FREMM-IT will replace theMaestrale andLupo-class frigates in service with the Italian Navy.[citation needed]
In the 2013 Italian budget, the Italian government laid out the necessary financing for two more GP variants (FREMM-IT 7 & 8) and the contract was awarded in September 2013. On 15 April 2015, the Italian Parliament confirmed the deal betweenOCCAR andOrizzonte Sistemi Navali Spa (Fincantieri and Finmeccanica, since 2017Leonardo) to begin building units 9 and 10, for 764 million Euros.[citation needed]
As of 16 April 2015, the Italian government has approved funding for all ten FREMM-IT to be delivered to the Italian Navy (four ASW variants and six GP variants).[18] FREMM-IT 9 & 10 will have undisclosed enhanced capabilities. All ten Italian FREMM-ITs have extended AAW capabilities, with SAAM-ESD CMS, Aster 30 and Aster 15 missiles for extended area defence. SAAM-ESD CMS use Leonardo MFRA, a 3D active radar (AESA), an evolved version of the LeonardoEMPAR PESA radar (previously embarked on Horizon-class destroyers and theCavour). Since the seventh FREMM-IT, there will be updates, such as new conformalIFF antenna and much more stealth response. Since the ninth FREMM-IT, SCLAR-H was replaced with Leonardo ODLS-20. In 2017 the Italian FREMM refit started with the installation on each of two SITEP MS-424 acoustic guns.[citation needed]
In 2020 Italy sold its last two FREMM-class frigates in the current production line (Spartaco Schergat andEmilio Bianchi) to Egypt.Spartaco Schergat was in the final stage of hersea trials whileEmilio Bianchi would follow within one year. The deal reportedly also involved other military equipment and was worth 1.2 billion USD.[19] Italy then order two additional FREMM frigates to replace those transferred to Egypt with the anticipated delivery of the replacements by 2025, with a new GP&ASW enhanced configuration, named GP-e.[20]
On 31 July 2024 Italy ordered to OCCAR, for 1,5 billion Euros, another two FREMM (bringing class fleet to twelve vessels), named FREMM-EVO, based on FREMM-ASW hull with several changes:PPA's dual-band integratedX- &C-band radar, ATBM capability withAster 30B1NT missiles,CAPTAS-4variable depth sonar (VDS), two Lionfish 30 mmautocannons to replace 25/80 mm,etc.[21][22]
The original plan was for 17 FREMM to replace the nineD'Estienne d'Orves-classavisos and nine anti-submarine frigates of theTourville andGeorges Leygues classes. In November 2005 France announced a contract of €3.5 billion for development and the first eight hulls, with options for nine more costing €2.95 billion split over two tranches (totaling 17).[citation needed]
Following the cancellation of the third and fourth of the Horizon-class frigates in 2005 on budget grounds, requirements for an air-defence derivative of the FREMM called FREDA were placed – with DCNS coming up with several proposals.[23] Expectations were that the last two ships of the 17 FREMM planned would be built to FREDA specifications; however, by 2008 the plan was revised down to just 11 FREMM (9 ASW variants and 2 FREDA variants)[14] at a cost of €8.75 billion (FY13, ~US$12 billion).[2] The 11 ships would cost €670 million (~US$760m) each in FY2014, or €860m (~US$980m) including development costs.[2]
The2013 White Paper on Defence and National Security committed France to 15 front-line frigates,[24] which was initially interpreted as 2 Horizons, 5La Fayettes and a reduction in the FREMM fleet down to 8 ships. The 2014–2019 defence plan restated a target of 11 frigates;[25] of which six ASW FREMM variants would be delivered to replace theGeorges Leygues-class frigates by 2019, followed by two anti-air variants to replace the ageingCassard-class frigates and a decision was to have been taken in 2016 on what version the remaining three would be.[2] In 2014, the French Navy's Chief of Staff, AdmiralBernard Rogel, confirmed that 11 FREMM frigates had been ordered[26] but in 2015 the order was cut to 8 in order to allow for the introduction of fiveFTI mid-Size frigates from 2024.[27] The FTI will replace theLa Fayette class in "first-rank" roles, with three of theLa Fayettes also being fitted with active sonar and other improvements so as to extend their service life into the early 2030s.[27]
On 10 July 2017, it was reported that theUnited States Congress was interested in foreign designs such as the Fincantieri FREMM for the US Navy'sFFG(X) Program.[31] According to RepresentativeRob Wittman, chairman of theUnited States House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, the US Congress was comfortable with models such as Fincantieri's partnership withLockheed Martin to build theFreedom version of thelittoral combat ship (LCS).[32] If the Italian FREMM design is selected, theMarinette Marine shipyard inWisconsin, part of the Fincantieri group, would build the guided-missile frigates. Marinette Marine is best known for theUS NavyFreedom-class LCS. On 16 February 2018, Fincantieri Marine was one of five companies awarded a $15 million contract for conceptual design of FFG(X), which the Navy would evaluate over 16 months ahead of a final request for proposal in 2019 and contract award in 2020.[33]
On 30 June 2017, it was announced thatLeonardo andBAE Systems will collaborate to provide the US military forces with a wide range of upgraded munitions for advanced, large-calibre weapon systems such as the Leonardo Vulcano and Strales/DART guided munitions.[34]
From late May to early June 2018, the Italian Navy deployedAlpino on a good will visit to the United States along the Eastern seaboard, making port calls inNorfolk,Baltimore,New York City, andBoston.[35] She was visited by several US Navy officials who toured her as a potential FFG(X) candidate. Among the visitors was the Italian Ambassador to the United States, Armando Varricchio.[36]
On 30 April 2020, the US Navy announced that Fincantieri had been awarded a $795 million contract for the first FFG(X), to be built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine inMarinette, Wisconsin.[5][37] The contract includes options for an additional nine ships, which, if all options were exercised, would value the contract at $5.5 billion.[37] On 7 October 2020, US Secretary of the NavyKenneth Braithwaite announced that first FFG(X) frigate would be namedConstellation.[38][39]
Egypt ordered two Italian FREMM frigates in 2020 and one French FREMM frigate in 2015.[40]On 16 February 2015, theEgyptian Navy ordered one FREMM vessel to enter service before the opening of theNew Suez Canal, as part of a larger deal (including 24Dassault Rafale aircraft and a supply of missiles) worth US$5.9 billion (€5.2 billion).[41][42] In order to keep to Egypt's deadlines, France offered to sendNormandie, originally intended for the French Navy.[43] The SYLVER A70 VLS and NETTUNO-4100 jamming equipment were removed due to export limitations for such sensitive equipment.[44] The crew will be around 126 sailors compared to 108 in the French Navy.[45] The SATCOM antenna for the FrenchSyracuse satellites was also taken down; however, Egypt will use its own military telecommunications satellite, supplied byAirbus Defence and Space andThales Alenia Space, in conjunction with its naval vessels.[46] From March 2015, DCNS trained the Egyptian crew in the technology of the ship and DCNS and its partners accompanied the crew for a period of 15 months. On 23 June 2015, French naval shipbuilder DCNS transferred the FREMM frigateTahya Misr (ex-Normandie) to the Egyptian Navy. A ceremony took place to transferNormandie, renamedTahya Misr ("Long Live Egypt") to Egypt, in the presence of GeneralSedki Sobhy, the Egyptian Minister of Defense,Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Minister of Defense, Admiral Osama Rabie, Egyptian Navy Commander in Chief, Admiral Bernard Rogel, the French Chief of Navy and Hervé Guillou, Chairman & CEO of DCNS.[45][47][48] The initial Italian sale might be followed by the subsequent acquisition of two additional FREMM frigates by Egypt.[20] In April 2021, the second FREMMBergamini-class frigate, ENSBernees, joined the Egyptian Navy. The first one joined on 31 December 2020.[49]
On 24 October 2007, it was announced that theRoyal Moroccan Navy had ordered one FREMM to replace itsDescubierta-class corvette.[50] The contract was signed on 18 April 2008 and construction of the Moroccan FREMM began in the summer 2008 with delivery expected in 2012 or 2013;[51]Mohammed VI was launched in September 2011 and handed over on 30 January 2014.[4] The Moroccan ship is similar to the French anti-submarine version, without SYLVER A70 tubes forMdCN cruise missile, and cost €470m.[4]
On 10 June 2021, Indonesia signed a contract with Fincantieri for the order of six FREMM frigates and twoMaestrale-class frigates and other logistical support.[52] There may be collaboration betweenPT-PAL Shipyard onJava and Fincantieri.[53]
Following the unsuccessful negotiations of 2009-2018, in April 2025 GreekMinister for National DefenceNikos Dendias announced to theDelphi Economic Forum. Greece would again seek to purchase two used FREMM frigates from Italy, as part of the country's €25 billion multi-year defence plan.[1]
In September 2017, a variant of the FREMM was offered directly to the Ministry of Defence, in an attempt to protect intellectual property. This direct bid included delivery of the first ship in 2019 if accepted within the year and a fixed price of $30 billion for all 15 ships, versus the $62 billion estimated for the government's prime-contractor ship building plan.[56] In December 2017 the offer was rejected by thePublic Services and Procurement Canada, citing the unsolicited nature of the bid as undermining the fair and competitive nature of the procurement".[57] In October 2018, theType 26 design was chosen by Canada as the winner of the program. On 8 February 2019, a contact was signed by Canada to build Type 26 vessels.[58][59]
In April 2016,Prime MinisterMalcolm Turnbull confirmed that the Italian FREMM class was one of three frigates shortlisted for theRoyal Australian Navy'sAnzac-class frigate replacement.[60] In September 2016, Fincantieri signed a contract to participate in the Competitive Evaluation Process, conducted by the Department of Defence for nine Future Frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.[61] In June 2018, the contract was awarded toBAE Systems to produce up to sixHunter-class frigates based on the BritishType 26 frigate, of which three units were ordered in June 2024.[62]
In January 2019, the Italian government made an offer of twoBergamini-class frigates to theBrazilian Navy. The frigatesSpartaco Schergat andEmilio Bianchi under construction for the Italian Navy, would be transferred to Brazil for €1.5 billion (R$6.37 billion).[63]
On 22 January 2009 theHellenic Navy announced an order for six FREMM to replace an equal number ofElli-class frigates.[64] After theGreek government-debt crisis this was cut down to between two and four ships equipped with SCALP Naval, with France alleged to have offered them to Greece at no cost for the first five years. Germany objected to this deal in October 2011[65] and no deal has been signed. In February 2013 though and during the formal visit of thePresident of France,François Hollande, inAthens, according to press reports an agreement which includes the long-term leasing of two FREMM frigates (Normandie andProvence according to initial reports) to the Hellenic Navy has been reached.[66] On 12 January 2018 the Greek daily newspaperKathimerini reported that the Greek government was set to enter talks with France regarding the procurement of two FREMM frigates, with an option for an additional two. Contacts between Greece and France were to begin initially at a military level, starting in February 2018.[67][68] In April 2018, Greekdeputy Minister for National DefenceFotis Kouvelis stated that an agreement between France and Greece was reached for a five-year lease of two FREMM frigates, which could have been handed over as early as August 2018.[69] After a few days, on 25 April 2018 the Greek minister of DefensePanos Kammenos denied any information regarding the purchase of two frigates from France.[70] Eventually, Greece abandoned all plans for the purchase of FREMMs in 2019 and pursued with the smallerFDI Belharra multi-purpose frigates, offered byNaval Group.[71]
2 × SLAT (Systeme de Lutte Anti-Torpille) anti-torpedo system (into Italian Navy only for ASW version) ASW DLS (Anti Submarine Weapon Decoy Launcher System) based onThales ALERT sonar system,DCNS RATO command system and WASS CMAT weapon system (with 12 tube launcher for 127 mm's WASS C-310decoy and jammers)
Thales UMS 4249CAPTAS-4 towed sonar (Italian anti-submarine versions only; fitted to both French ASW and air defence variants)[72]
Thales TUUM-6 Underwater Telephone
2 × Sigen MM/SMQ-765 EW system: with JASS (Jamming Antenna Sub System) ECM, Nettuno 4100, by ELT Elettronica and Thales ESM (Communications and Radar ESM)
16-cellMBDASYLVER A43 VLS for MBDAAster 15 missiles (in first four ASW variants)
The last two ASW variants have been fitted with a 16-cell MBDA A50 VLS for MBDA Aster 30 to be used if deemed necessary.
The two AAW variants fitted with 32-cell A50 VLS.
16-cell MBDA SYLVER A70 VLS for MBDAMdCN cruise missile with a range up to 1,400 km (870 mi) or Aster 30 anti-air missile (not fitted to AAW variants)[73]
MBDAExocet MM40 Block 3, (Block 3c variant - naval and land-attack capability - entering service with the French Navy from December 2022)[13]
Italian ASW FREMMCarabiniereItalian ASW FREMMVirginio Fasan
16-cell MBDA SYLVER A50 VLS for MBDA Aster 15 missiles and MBDA Aster 30 missiles
Leonardo IRST SASS
another one Leonardo NA-25 DARDO-F fire control system for the second cannon (76 mm/62 calibre or 127 mm (5.0 in)/54 calibre gun)
Leonardo Kronos Grand Naval (MFRA) AESA, 3D, C band radar
Leonardo RASS (RAN-30X-I) surface radar (OTH)
Leonardo SPS-732, 2D LPI Surveillance X band radar (surface and air surveillance at low level); since the seventh FREMM-IT replaced by more powerful Leonardo SPS-732(V2)
Leonardo SPN-730 LPI navigation radar and two navigation radar GEM-Elettronica MM/SPN-753
Leonardo SPN-720 radar for helicopter precision approach
LeonardoIFF SIR M-E; since the 7th FREMM-IT replaced with Leonardo IFF SIR M5-PA with phased array antenna
Leonardo Athena combat system (CMS), with 21, three displays, MFC (Multi Functional Consolle): 17 into COC, 2 in backup COC, 1 on bridge and 1 into Command Planning Room
Leonardo SAAM-ESD extended area AAW combat system (for Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles)
2 × Leonardo (OTO Melara) SCLAR-H DLS Multipurpose Rocket Launcher; since the 7th vessel replaced with Leonardo ODLS-20
GP version: 8 × MBDATeseo Mk-2/A, for naval and land attack missiles
GP version: 1 × LeonardoOTO Melara 127 mm/64 calibre gun with Vulcano guided ammunition, with a range up to 120 km (75 mi), and AAHS (Automated Ammunition Handling System) with 350 rounds + 56 in turret and a second Leonardo (OTO Melara) 76 mm/62 calibreDavide/Strales CIWS gun on the hangar (with Strales guided-ammunition)
2 × acoustic guns / LRAD SITEP MASS CS-424: since year 2017, on update works
^"Caractéristiques".FREMM Aquitaine (D 650) (in French). Ministère de la Défense. 12 August 2013. Archived fromthe original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved24 October 2014.
^"Hunter Class Frigate".Australian Ministry of Defense.Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved11 December 2024.The Hunter Class Frigate Project will deliver 6 frigates optimised for anti-submarine warfare to maintain the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Tier 1 Surface Combatant capability. The Hunter Class is based on the UK's Type 26 Global Combat Ship, modified to meet Australian requirements.
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Italian Navy
French Navy
United States Navy
Egyptian Navy
Royal Moroccan Navy
