European Defense Industry Naval Systems NEWS

Portugal to Buy Three FREMM EVO Frigates From Italy in First SAFE Deal

Envanter Rapid News

Portugal agreed with Italy on 20 July 2026 to procure three FREMM EVO frigates, the first frigate buy financed under the EU’s SAFE mechanism.

At a Glance

Three FREMM EVO frigates, built by Fincantieri
Deliveries: 2029-2030
Financing: EU SAFE programme (part of a 5.8 billion euro package)
Same baseline configuration as the Italian Navy FREMM EVO

Portugal signed an agreement with Italy on 20 July 2026 to procure three FREMM EVO frigates for its navy. The ships will be built by Italy’s Fincantieri, with deliveries expected in 2029-2030.

The deal is the first frigate procurement financed under the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism, established in May 2025 to offer member states long-maturity, low-interest loans for defense procurement.

Ship Configuration

The FREMM EVO frigates will share essentially the same configuration as the Italian Navy’s ships of the type, differing only in communications systems. Each vessel comes with a 30-year operational lifecycle support package.

The anti-ship missile selection is pending between MBDA’s Teseo Mk2/E and Kongsberg’s NSM. The programme includes technology transfer and national industry participation, and plans the revitalization of Portugal’s Alfeite Arsenal.

SAFE and Europe’s Rearmament

The SAFE programme provides up to 150 billion euros in EU loans to member states; Portugal’s frigate buy is part of a 5.8 billion euro investment. The first FREMM EVO ships will be delivered to Italy before Portuguese vessels begin production.

Portuguese officials described the programme as ‘the largest effort in the re-equipment of the Armed Forces in democracy,’ spanning naval, land, air and space domains.

Why It Matters

Europe’s jointly financed naval renewal directly affects NATO’s Atlantic and Mediterranean flanks. Fincantieri’s FREMM EVO exports keep competition hot in the European frigate market.