The French and Italian governments have commissioned the renovation of the air defense frigates Forbin and Chevalier Paul for the French Navy and Andrea Doria and Caio Duilio for the Italian Navy. The Joint Organization for Armament Cooperation (OCCAr), on behalf of the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) and its Italian counterpart SEGREDIFESA, has awarded the contract for the renovation of these Horizon-class frigates.
The renovation of these frigates aligns with the 2024-2030 military programming law, which was adopted by the French Parliament on July 13 and enacted on August 2, 2023. This significant operation reflects the commitment of both countries to modernize and sustain their operational capabilities while adapting to evolving aerial threats. The upgrade includes the refurbishment of the Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS) and a complete overhaul of the combat system. The upgraded frigates will be equipped with the latest Aster missiles, including the Aster 30 B1 NT Naval (New Technology) version, capable of addressing a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles.
The OCCAr has entrusted the contract to the industrial consortiums Naviris (a joint venture between Naval Group and Fincantieri) and EUROSAM (a joint enterprise between Thales and MBDA). The scheduled timeline for the renovation program plans to deliver the first renovated French frigate in 2029.
This order follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between France and Italy on June 20, 2023, during the 54th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. The memorandum was signed by Thierry Carlier, Deputy General Manager of the DGA, and Luciano Portolano, Secretary-General of Defense and National Armament Director. It reaffirms both nations’ determination to continue naval cooperation through the renovation of the “Horizon” type air defense frigates.
This collaboration continues a longstanding partnership between France and Italy in the naval and air defense domains, based on the Aster system. The air defense system using Aster is a unique cooperative effort in Europe involving France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. It is employed through both land-based and naval systems, including frigates and aircraft carriers, by these three nations.
The air defense frigates Forbin and Chevalier Paul are leading assets among the “first-class” frigates and serve as the most advanced naval platforms in the French Navy, ensuring the protection of naval aviation groups against aerial threats and commanding and controlling the maritime and aerial space in national and joint operations.