Last frigate FREMM for Marina Militare – Emilio Bianchi incarnate in service

On 30 July at Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, on the Gulf of La Spezia, an incarnation ceremony was held in the service of the Italian Marine Military frigates type FREMM – Emilio Bianchi (F-589). This was the culmination of the nearly twenty-year FREMM frigate program in the Bergamine version, which became one of the pillars of the modernization of the Italian fleet.

The new unit was created in the Anti-Submarine Warfare – Enhanced (ASW-E) configuration, i.e. the extended version variant, combining features of the general version with enhanced submarine combat capability (ZOP).

Importance of the programme frigate FREMM

The FREMM frigate program in Carlo Bergamini version implemented since 2005 provided the Italian Navy with four multitasking units (GP – General Purpose), four in the ZOP (ASW – Anti-Submarine Warfare) version, and two hybrid GP-E – including Emilio Bianchi and Spartacus Schergat. Two GP frigates sold in 2020 to Egypt, which became an impulse to order replacement ships with improved parameters. Thanks to this, the Italian fleet has maintained full operational potential within NATO and international missions.

Key frigate systems Emilio Bianchi

The most important novelty is the integration of the towed Thales CAPTAS-4 sonar, allowing detection and tracking of submerged threats to a greater extent than in previous versions. For this purpose, the stern was rebuilt, giving up one of the RHIB boats, as well as modified mast and added new elements of electronic combat and technical observation systems.

The ship has a CMS ATHENA-I command system from Leonardo, AESA MFRA radars (EMPAR technology), multi-layer air defense with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, OTO Melara Kal cannon. 127 mm long-range ammunition Vulcano, MU90 torpedoes and anti-shipper missiles Teseo Mk 2.

FREMM EVO – new generation of Italian frigates

Transmission Emilio Bianchi closes one stage, but does not end the ambition of the Italian Navy. In July 2024 a contract for two frigates was signed FREMM EVOto be delivered from 2029 to 2030. These units will be equipped, among others, with the Leonardo Kronos Dual Band radars, integrated systems for the latest generation missile defense, the Kal artillery towers. 30 mm, open architecture for modernization and full integration with unmanned systems – water, underwater and air.

Strategic and industrial importance

The FREMM programme, implemented by the consortium of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (Fincantieri 51%, Leonardo 49%), strengthened Italian position in the defence sector and the export market. Ships based on the Italian version went to Egypt, among others, and technical solutions inspired modernization in the French Marine Nationale.

With the experience of building ten FREMM units, the Italian shipbuilding industry enters the FREMM EVO stage with extensive technological facilities, trained personnel and full interoperability within NATO. These units, like their predecessors, are to operate both in the Mediterranean Sea and in remote waters, providing protection for shipping routes, critical infrastructure and participation in stabilisation operations.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz