Italian Navy Receives New FREMM Frigate in Hybrid GP-EVO Configuration

The Italian Navy has taken delivery of a new FREMM-class frigate, the Spartaco Schergat (F 598), the first vessel to feature the new GP-EVO hybrid configuration.

Shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered the frigate, the ninth FREMM vessel built for Italy, during a ceremony in La Spezia, Naval News reported.

The new GP-EVO (General Purpose – Evolution) configuration integrates enhanced capabilities for both surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

These include sea control, protection of maritime lines of communication, and the interception of naval targets. The ship can also function as a command-and-control platform.

Key differences of the Italian FREMM GP-EVO

While the Spartaco Schergat retains the same Leonardo SADOC 3 combat management system as earlier FREMM vessels, it features updated software and a modernized ship control system.

ASW capabilities have been enhanced with the integration of a Thales 4110CL bow sonar and a Leonardo sonar for obstacle and mine detection. Additional defensive systems include Leonardo B530 anti-torpedo decoy launchers and two Leonardo OLDS 20 launchers.

The frigate also features a modernized electronic warfare suite. In addition to hardware and software enhancements, the system can now operate in coordination with sensors aboard SH-90A naval helicopters for expanded surveillance and targeting functions.

The ASW suite includes two Leonardo B530 launchers (each with 12 cells) and two Leonardo OLDS 20 launchers, capable of deploying anti-torpedo munitions and short-range guided weapons.

The vessel can also be equipped with two extra Sylver A70 vertical launch systems, each with eight cells, for surface-to-air or surface-to-surface missiles. These supplement the ship’s existing Sylver A70 cells and support the launch of Aster-15, Aster-30, and MdCN cruise missiles. The extra launchers can be installed in place of additional crew accommodation modules, depending on the operational requirements.

Italy ordered two new FREMM GP-EVO frigates in November 2023 as part of efforts to modernize its surface fleet. The move follows the 2020 sale of two FREMM frigates to Egypt and addresses the need to replace aging vessels, including two Durand de la Penne-class air defense destroyers and two Maestrale-class ASW frigates, commissioned in 1993 and 1983, respectively.