Fincantieri cuts steel plate for the second FREMM EVO vessel of the Italian Navy
Fincantieri held a steel-cutting ceremony on July 23, 2026, at the Riva Trigoso shipyard near Genoa, Italy, for the second ship of the Italian Navy’s next-generation FREMM EVO frigate class. The ship was named Nave AVIERE.
This event is the next step following the first FREMM EVO’s entry into construction in April 2025. According to the Italian Navy and OCCAR, the two vessels are being developed as next-generation multirole frigates that will expand the mission scope of the existing FREMM force, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030, respectively.
Italy expands FREMM power, from 10 vessels to next-generation vessels
FREMM is a multi-purpose frigate program jointly developed by France and Italy. The project is managed by OCCAR, the European organization for joint defense procurement, and a total of 18 ships have been built through this program, including 8 for France and 10 for Italy.
According to a statement from OCCAR, the additional FREMM EVO vessels ordered by Italy are an evolved version that incorporates operational experience from existing vessels and the latest technologies. The Italian Navy plans to deploy the two vessels alongside the ten Bergamini-class FREMM vessels currently in service.
FREMM EVO: Key changes include automation, maneuverability, and an integrated combat system
The Italian Navy stated that the FREMM EVO will build upon the technological improvements of the recently delivered, enhanced anti-submarine warfare FREMM vessels. In particular, the main areas of improvement include the level of vessel automation, maneuverability, and the operational capabilities of the command and control system.
The project documentation from OCCAR states that the FREMM EVO will incorporate dual-band radar technology developed from the Italian PPA program, as well as drone countermeasures and unmanned systems operation capabilities. This will enhance the vessel’s capabilities not only in anti-submarine warfare and air and surface warfare operations, but also in responding to threats across multiple domains.
The FREMM-class ships are designed to reduce the workload of the crew through a high level of automation and an integrated combat management system, and to perform a variety of maritime missions, including the operation of two helicopters. The EVO variant is an evolution of this design, incorporating the latest sensor and combat system technologies.
First vessel delivery scheduled for 2029, second vessel delivery scheduled for 2030
The FREMM EVO project was officially launched with the signing of a contract amendment in July 2024, which formalized the construction of two additional ships for Italy. OCCAR completed the preliminary design review for the platform, combat system, and integrated ship and logistics support in December 2025, and approved the transition to the production phase.
The cutting of the first vessel’s steel plates took place on April 3, 2025, at Riva Trigoso. The second vessel entered the steel plate cutting process approximately 15 months later at the same shipyard, and will be built through the integrated shipbuilding production system of Riva Trigoso and Mugiano.
The delivery dates for the two vessels are scheduled for 2029 and 2030, respectively. If the operational deployment proceeds as planned, the Italian Navy will be able to extend the service life of its existing FREMM fleet while also acquiring new sensor, combat system, and unmanned systems capabilities.
European defense cooperation and follow-up projects for the Italian shipbuilding industry
The steel-cutting ceremony for this project was attended by representatives from the Italian government, the navy, OCCAR, Fincantieri, and Leonardo, among other stakeholders. A delegation from Portugal also participated in the event, demonstrating the potential for international expansion of the FREMM program.
The FREMM EVO program is not merely an additional vessel construction project; it is a project that combines European joint defense procurement with the modernization of naval power. The industrial structure, involving companies like Fincantieri and Leonardo, is also significant for maintaining Italy’s capabilities in warship design and construction, and for ensuring the continuity of related supply chains.
The key challenges moving forward are to reliably incorporate design changes into the production schedule and to translate the operational capabilities of the new combat systems and unmanned systems into actual military power. The achievements in the construction of the FREMM EVO are expected to influence not only the Italian Navy but also the direction of European maritime security cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of warship is the FREMM EVO frigate?
The FREMM EVO is a next-generation vessel for the Italian Navy, based on the existing FREMM multirole frigate, with improved automation, maneuverability, combat management systems, and sensor capabilities.
What is the name of the vessel whose steel was cut?
The name of the second FREMM EVO vessel is Nave AVIERE.
How many FREMM EVO ships will Italy acquire?
Italy has ordered two new FREMM EVO-class vessels. The first vessel began construction in April 2025, and the steel-cutting ceremony for the second vessel took place in July 2026.
When will the FREMM EVO be delivered to the Italian Navy?
According to the business plan, the delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for 2029, and the delivery of the second vessel is scheduled for 2030.
What are the main missions of the FREMM EVO?
It is designed to perform multi-purpose maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and anti-ship warfare, and to respond to multi-domain threats by utilizing the latest combat systems and unmanned systems operation and response capabilities.
