European Defense Industry Naval Systems NEWS

Fincantieri Cuts Steel for Italian Navy’s Second FREMM EVO Frigate

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri held a steel-cutting ceremony on 23 July for the second next-generation FREMM EVO (“EVOLUTION”) frigate for the Italian Navy at its Riva Trigoso shipyard, attended by a Portuguese delegation.

Fincantieri tersanesi (representative image)

At a Glance

Event: steel-cutting for the Italian Navy’s 2nd FREMM EVO frigate (23 July).
Site: Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso shipyard.
Portugal: acquiring 3 FREMM EVO frigates for about EUR 3.9 billion, delivery 2029-2030.
Attendance: Portuguese National Armament Directorate delegation (Rear Adm. Antonio Mateus).
Meaning: the FREMM programme’s growing international dimension.

What was announced

Fincantieri began building the second of two next-generation FREMM EVO frigates for the Italian Navy with a steel-cutting ceremony. A Portuguese delegation led by Rear Admiral Antonio Mateus, deputy director of Portugal’s National Armament Directorate and Programme Board representative, attended.

Portugal’s participation highlights the programme’s growing international dimension as the country advances its integration into the FREMM Programme with the acquisition of three FREMM EVO frigates, expected to be delivered to the Portuguese Navy between 2029 and 2030.

System context

FREMM EVO is the most advanced version of the Franco-Italian FREMM multi-mission frigate family. The EVOLUTION configuration features updated radar and combat-management systems, an enhanced sensor suite and greater weapons capacity, letting the ships combine anti-submarine, air-defence and surface warfare.

Portugal’s EUR 3.9 billion deal runs on a state-to-state basis with Italy and is part of a European naval modernisation wave. Operating the same ship type in both the Italian and Portuguese navies brings logistics and training partnership benefits.

Why it matters

Europe’s frigate modernisation shapes the competitive environment in the export market Turkey is targeting with its MILGEM and TF-2000 air-defence frigate programmes. TCG Istanbul’s entry into service and MILGEM exports to Pakistan and Ukraine show Turkish naval platforms as a rising alternative, with multi-mission frigates like FREMM EVO defining the top of that segment.