Naviris, Eurosam awarded contract for Horizon-class MLU programme

The four Horizon-class anti-air warfare frigates in service with the navies of France and Italy. (Thales)

Naviris and Eurosam have been awarded a EUR1.5 billion (USD1.7 billion) contract from the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) for the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of four Franco-Italian Horizon-class anti-air warfare (AAW) frigates.

The contract follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by representatives from Italy and France at the Paris Air Show on 20 June.

Built under a joint programme between Fincantieri and Naval Group between 2000 and 2010, the Horizon class comprises two Forbin-class frigates operated by the French Navy and two Andrea Doria-class destroyers operated by the Italian Navy.

The MLU covers the overall modernisation of the frigates to maintain and extend their capabilities and performance to the end of their service lives. Work will focus on ships' Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS), encompassing updates to radars, munitions, and associated command-and-control (C2) functionality.

Under the MLU contract, Naviris – a 50/50 joint venture (JV) between Fincantieri and Naval Group – will take responsibility for the modernisation of the combat system, including integration of the updated AAW capabilities, installation of a new electronic warfare (EW) suite common to both navies, installation of new communication and combat management systems, and the integration of a new optronic system. Naviris will also perform work to address obsolescence issues and undertake a platform modernisation, including installation of a new ship management system.