Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), signed a contract with Occar, the European Organization for Cooperation in Armaments Programmes, for two Ddx destroyers of the new generation for the Italian Navy. The value of the contract is € 3,7 billion, of which approximately 1,3 billion in options.
The details of the agreement
As part of the program, the note states, in the next few weeks Osn will stipulate contracts for subcontracting with Fincantieri and Leonardo, worth approximately 1,8 billion euros (of which approximately 800 million in options) and approximately 1,7 billion euros (of which approximately 480 million in options) respectively. “The signing marks the official launch of one of the most significant programs for the future of the capabilities naval defense of Italy and introduces a new generation of vessels designed to operate in the maritime environment in scenarios characterized by increasing complexity, rapid technological evolution, and ever-increasing integration between the various operational areas,” the statement states. Delivery of the two vessels is scheduled for 2033 and 2035, respectively.
The new destroyers
The two ships built by Fincantieri – the joint statement explains – represent the evolution and replacement of the Horizon-class destroyers: the DDX platform is 180 meters long, with a displacement of 13.500 tons, a range of 4 nautical miles, and a crew of 251. In terms of combat systems, the vessels – thanks to the next-generation C5I SADOC 5, the high-powered fully digital S-band AESA radar, and the MBDA weapons system – will be equipped with an IAMD (Integrated Air & Missile Defence) capability "against unprecedented missile, ballistic, and hypersonic threats, ensuring the full multi-domain interoperability that is the core of the technology underlying Leonardo's Michelangelo project."
Fincantieri CEO Folgiero: "One of the most significant naval programs launched in Italy in recent years."
“The DDX program – he commented Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri "This represents a strategic step for Fincantieri and the national defense industry. It is one of the most significant naval programs launched in Italy in recent years and confirms Fincantieri's role as an industrial and technological reference in the design and integration of complex naval systems. With DDX, we further strengthen our leadership in the naval defense sector and invest in the development of skills, technologies, and the supply chain, helping to consolidate the country's industrial and technological sovereignty and Italy's competitiveness in the European naval sector."
Leonardo CEO Mariani: "The Italian defense industry can contribute to the country's growth."
“Today more than ever, it is essential to be able to count on multi-domain systems – said the CEO of Leonardo, Lorenzo Mariani Leonardo's ongoing investments in this area have enabled the development of digital and system architectures that integrate capabilities aimed at ensuring effective scenario assessment and rapid decision-making throughout the entire chain of command. With these two next-generation vessels, the Italian Armed Forces will be able to rely on naval vessels with advanced operational performance and capable of addressing a broad spectrum of threats. The significant result achieved with the signing of this contract is further proof of how the national defense industry, in this case represented by Leonardo and Fincantieri, working in synergy, can leverage innovative and strategic expertise, enabling us to advance towards technological autonomy and contributing to the growth of the country and Europe.
