Fincantieri Cuts Steel for the Second FREMM EVO Frigate for the Italian Navy

Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri held a steel cutting ceremony on July 23 for the Italian Navy’s second new generation FREMM EVO (“EVOLUTION”) frigate at the Riva Trigoso shipyard; a Portuguese delegation also attended the ceremony.

Fincantieri shipyard (representative image)

At a Glance

Event: Steel cutting for the Italian Navy’s 2nd FREMM EVO frigate (July 23).
Location: Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso shipyard.
Portugal: Acquiring 3 FREMM EVO frigates for ~3.9 billion euros, delivery expected in 2029-2030.
Participation: Delegation from the Portuguese National Armaments Directorate (Rear Admiral Antonio Mateus).
Significance: Expansion of the international dimension of the FREMM program.

Details of the Development

Fincantieri commenced the construction of the second of two new generation FREMM EVO frigates for the Italian Navy with a steel cutting ceremony. The ceremony was attended by a Portuguese delegation led by Rear Admiral Antonio Mateus, Deputy Director of the Portuguese National Armaments Directorate and Program Board Representative.

Portugal’s participation highlights the growing international dimension of the program. The country is advancing its integration into the FREMM program through the procurement of three FREMM EVO frigates; the delivery of the ships to the Portuguese Navy is expected between 2029 and 2030.

System Context

FREMM EVO is the most advanced version of the FREMM (French-Italian multi-role frigate) family jointly developed by Italy and France. The “EVOLUTION” configuration stands out with updated radar and combat management systems, an enhanced sensor package, and increased weapon capacity. The ships can undertake anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare missions simultaneously.

Portugal’s 3.9 billion euro agreement is being conducted under a government-to-government (G2G) framework with Italy and is part of a wave of modernization for European navies. The service of the same type of ship in both the Italian and Portuguese navies provides logistical and training partnership advantages.

Significance for Turkey

The modernization of frigates in Europe defines the competitive environment in the export market that Turkey aims to enter with its MİLGEM and İSTİF (TF-2000 air defense frigate) programs. The commissioning of TCG Istanbul and the export of MİLGEM to countries like Pakistan and Ukraine demonstrate that Turkish naval platforms are an emerging alternative in this market. Multi-role frigates like FREMM EVO represent the upper limit of the segment in which Turkish shipyards compete.