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Italy signs €3.7 bln deal to build two new DDX-class destroyers
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Italy has signed a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) contract to build two new DDX-class naval destroyers, marking a significant upgrade for the Italian Navy. The deal was brokered by European procurement office OCCAR and signed with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture where state-owned Fincantieri holds 51% and Leonardo holds 49%. The 180-meter destroyers will displace 13,500 tonnes, carry a crew of 251, and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Deliveries are scheduled for 2033 and 2035. The vessels will feature advanced digitalization, including Leonardo's SADOC 5 command-and-control system, digital S-band AESA radar, MBDA weapon systems, a DC power sub-network with energy storage, and an innovative stabilization system. The DDX order continues Italy's fleet renewal program, which includes FREMM frigates, PPA multimission ships, and new submarines. The destroyers will initially sail alongside and eventually replace the navy's two Horizon-class vessels, according to a navy spokesman.
Source report
ROME — Italy has signed a contract to acquire two new naval destroyers that will represent a significant leap in capabilities for the Italian navy, according to the ships' builders.
In a deal brokered by European procurement office OCCAR, Italy signed a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) agreement for two so-called DDX destroyers, with delivery scheduled for 2033 and 2035.
The contract was signed with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), an Italian joint venture in which state-owned shipyard Fincantieri holds a 51% stake and state defense giant Leonardo holds the remaining 49%.
Key Specifications
- Displacement: 13,500 tonnes
- Length: 180 meters
- Crew: 251 personnel
- Range: 4,000 nautical miles
Advanced Capabilities
According to Fincantieri, the combat system supplied by Leonardo will feature "advanced digitalization." The vessels will also include:
- A DC power sub-network with an associated energy storage system
- An innovative stabilization system integrated with the steering system
- New algorithms and methodologies for calculating thermal and electrical balances
- Further digital developments of the Ship Management System
The destroyers will be equipped with Leonardo's SADOC 5 command-and-control system, digital S-band AESA radar, and MBDA weapon systems.
Fleet Modernization
The DDX order continues a major fleet renewal program for the Italian navy, following orders for:
- FREMM-class frigates
- PPA multimission ships
- A new landing helicopter dock
- New submarines
- Logistics vessels
The new destroyers will sail alongside but ultimately replace the Italian navy's two Horizon-class vessels, a navy spokesman told Defense News.
About the Author
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
Source
Defense NewsWestern