Euronaval 2024 – OSN unveils FREMM EVO latest developments
The joint-venture Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%) unveiled at Euronaval 2024 the model of the FREMM EVO (Evolution). The latter differs mainly for superstructures capable to accommodate an enriched combat system including extended anti-air warfare (AAW) and counter unmanned air systems (C-UAS) capabilities, deep-strike missile weapons and unmanned systems
In July 2024, OCCAR awarded to OSN a €1.5 billion contract for the development, construction, delivery and initial in-service support of two FREMMs in the evolved version for Italian Navy, as part of the joint programme Contract Amendement Nr 26.
With delivery planned respectively in June 2029 and June 2030, the construction of the first-of-class is expected to be launched at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyard between Riva Trigoso and Muggiano in the first half of 2025. The new design is already being proposed to the international market, EDR On-Line understood.
Exploiting the OSN’s Whole Warship and Combat System engineering expertise and the latest technological developments of the so-called Naval Law, the joint-venture has designed a platform which matches the latest FREMM “ASW enhanced” hull and propulsion system with a new superstructures arrangement capable to accommodate the combat system of the Thaon di Revel-class PPA Multi-Purpose Combat Ship (MPCS) in the Full configuration and newly developed systems.
Based on the lessons learned during the operations in the Red Sea and exploiting latest technologies the ships will be equipped with a counter-drone capability and a command and control suite to manage the underwater, surface and air unmanned vehicles that will be embarked on the new platforms.
Based on the feasibility and de-risking studies results, the FREMM EVO will maintain the current FREMM hull lines and propulsion system with new superstructures. These hosts the extended combat system’s package of sensors and effectors and are partially made in aluminium alloys, EDR On-Line understood, to compensate for weight distribution and centre of gravity issues. With a full load displacement of about 6,500 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 144 and 19.70 metres, and the CODLAG propulsion system of the current FREMM providing an over 27 knots top speed, the new platforms maintain the same quietness requirements of the in-service frigates, accommodating the same ASW suite.
The new frigates will maintain the same flight deck and two hangars for the same number of 11-tonnes NHIndustries NFH90 ASuW/ASW helicopters or alternatively one EH-101 and one NH90, in addition to the new capacity to embark vertical take-off and landing or catapult-launched fixed-wing unmanned air vehicles.
To cope with technology advancement and obsolescence, the FREMM EVO will be equipped with the same Seasnavy cyber-resilient Ship Management System (SMS) of the PPA MPSC with damage control software module and equipment from Martec. The main bridge layout and equipment suite is expected to be an evolved model of the current FREMM, with the latest control and navigation equipment including two GEM Elettronica Gemini X/Ka radars, one of which also supporting helicopters control.
The FREMM EVO will have a standard crew and flight detachment totalling 145 personnel and overall accommodations for 179 between women and men, according to data provided by OSN. A slight reduction compared to current platforms which are using the space destined to additional missile vertical launching systems for personnel accommodation.
New command and sensors suite
The FREMM EVO will be equipped with the Leonardo SADOC Mk 4 Command Management System (CMS) featuring large screen consoles, remote data processing and the latest software release, alongside the Unmanned Management System (UMS) suite by Fincantieri for the control of different types of unmanned platforms. Particular attention has been paid to cyber protection, both the SMS and the CMS being cyber-resilient by design, in addition to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The IP-based communication suite will be based on latest Software Defined Radios (SDRs) (V/UHF and HF) and satellite communications (C/X/Ku/Ka) by Leonardo (and other providers) which also supplies the Multi Data Link Processor (MDLP) in the evolved version with data link 16, 22, VMF, JREAP and cryptos.
The Leonardo Kronos Dual-Band Radar (DBR) suite with the four AESA flat antennas of the C-band Kronos Quad and the same number of antennas for the X-band Kronos StarFire are distributed on the two main blocks which characterize the superstructures arrangement of the new ships, as showed by the model presented at Euronaval, ensuring optimal weight distribution and 360 degrees coverage. The forward block also hosts the main integrated mast and two lateral funnels while the rear block (with additional funnels) has been designed to contribute to ship radar cross section reduction.
The Kronos DBR suite features a system manager capable to control in real-time both the two different-band radars and the ship’s new electronic warfare suite (EWS) by ELT Group ensuring the best use of both systems including coordinated electronic attack capabilities. During the exhibition, OSN and ELT Group signed a supply contract for a C-UAS suite featuring innovative capabilities, such as Cyber RF techniques, AI algorithms and Jammer.
These are integrated with the assets of the EWS suite capacity (RESM, CESM, RECM), allowing effective detection, recognition, and countering of drones. The system can also operate autonomously and is equipped with an advanced C2 component specifically designed for countering drones, according to ELT Group. Another innovative feature is represented by the RECM system antennas which come for the first time in a conformal version that optimizes its performance output. Although ELT Group hasn’t provided details, EDR On-Line understood these antennas are positioned on the model on the left angle of the integrated mast (seen from bow) and the right angle of the hangar structures, together with other undisclosed conformal apertures.
As part of the C-UAS detection suite, the FREMM EVO will also be equipped with a new four fixed face AESA radar, which antennas were identified being located under the Leonardo conformal IFF antenna on the main integrated mast. A selection process is on-going, EDR On-Line understood, the main contenders being a new version of Fincantieri’s OMEGA 360 and Leonardo Tactical Multi Mission Radar (TMMR).
The FREMM EVO will also feature two NA-30S Mk 2 dual-band radar/EO fire control systems for the guns package and a full DSS-IRST (Distributed Static Staring IRST) suite including both fixed and rotating IR and multi-spectral turrets, visible on both superstructures blocks, alongside the two OTO ODLS 20 decoy launchers for both anti-air and anti-torpedo warfare, all provided by Leonardo. SITEP Italia provides the two latest generation MASS (Multirole Acoustic Stabilized System) surveillance and non-lethal system turrets positioned on the rear superstructures block in front of the rear funnel.
As anticipated, another key development for the FREMM EVO is the UMS (Unmanned Management Suite) by Fincantieri, which was conceived to plan and manage the missions and sensors of the unmanned systems embarked on the new ships. In addition to air vehicles, the FREMM EVOs are expected to use USVs carrying dedicated payloads, including autonomous underwater systems, from the two side stations for 11-meter RHIBs. No details have been released, but EDR On-Line understood this will be a complete USV solution with payloads to be provided by the Italian industry.
As anticipated, the EVO version sports the same ASW suite of the same mission configured in-service FREMMs, including the bow-mounted Thales 4110 (BlueMaster) together with Leonardo Thesan collision and mine avoidance sonars, alongside the Thales 4249 CAPTAS-4 Compact variable depth sonar (VDS) and the towed multi-function array mounted astern, in addition to the multibeam echosounder positioned amidships.
The armament suite with enriched AAW and deep strike capabilities
The AAW package is centred on an evolved MBDA SAAM ESD PPA air defence missile system exploiting the DBR capabilities and based on the Aster weapon family, including the Aster Block 1NT munitions, to be launched from two 8-cell Naval Group Sylver A50 vertical launching systems, positioned in the bow area. The latter has additional space which will accommodate, according to Italian Navy plans, two additional 8-cell VLSs for either surface-to-air missiles being launched by A50 launchers or deep land strike weapons from Naval Group Sylver A70 latest version launchers.
During the Euronaval Exhibition, the OOCAR Horizon programme manager, Mr. Luigi Durante, on behalf of Italy, signed together with OSN representative Mr. Davide Traverso, the order for the activation of the Deep Strike capability studies option. This step, according to OCCAR statement, will launch a feasibility study for integrating the Naval Cruise Missile (NCM)/ Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) system by MBDA and developing the “deep strike” capability on Italian FREMMs. No further details were provided, but EDR On-Line understood the study regards the missile functional and physical integration activities.
The gun armament suite is based on two Super Rapido 76/62 mm gun mounts in the Strales configuration to use DART guided ammunitions and two Lionfish 30 mm RWS by Leonardo, featuring Independent Line-of-Sight (ILOS) Electro-Optical Directors and using air burst ammunitions by KNDS Ammo Italy capable to deal with UAS and asymmetric threats. Anti-ship capabilities are provided by four 2-cell launchers for MBDA Italia Teseo Mk2/E missiles, together with Marte ER in a national customized version launched by the embarked ASW/AsuW helicopters, and by MU-90 lightweight torpedoes also launched by two shipborne triple launchers.
Photos by L. Peruzzi
