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Italy signs €3.7 bln deal to build two DDX destroyers for navy
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Italy has signed a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) contract to build two new DDX-class destroyers for the Italian Navy, with delivery scheduled for 2033 and 2035. 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, 13,500-tonne vessels will carry a crew of 251 and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Builders promise the ships will mark a 'quantum leap' in capabilities. The combat system, supplied by Leonardo, will feature advanced digitalization, a DC power sub-network with energy storage, an innovative stabilization system integrated with steering, and new algorithms for thermal and electrical balance. The vessels will include Leonardo's SADOC 5 command-and-control system, digital S-band AESA radar, and MBDA weapon systems. The DDX order continues a major fleet renewal for the Italian navy, which has already ordered FREMM frigates, PPA multimission ships, a new landing helicopter dock, submarines, and logistics vessels. The destroyers will initially sail alongside and eventually replace the navy's two Horizon-class vessels, a navy spokesman said.
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 has committed €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) 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, a 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 previous orders for:
- FREMM-class frigates
- PPA multimission ships
- A new landing helicopter dock
- New submarines
- Logistics vessels
A navy spokesman told Defense News that the new destroyers will sail alongside but ultimately replace the Italian navy's two existing Horizon-class vessels.
About the Author
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
Source
Defense NewsWestern