Italy Orders Two DDX Destroyers to Replace Horizon Ships

Italy has signed a €3.7 billion contract for the development, construction, and maintenance of two DDX destroyers for the country’s Navy.

Naval News reported this, citing a Fincantieri press release.

The contract was signed with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture between shipbuilding concern Fincantieri and defense giant Leonardo.

The first DDX destroyer is scheduled for delivery to the Italian Navy in 2033, with the second ship expected in 2035.

The new ships will replace the Italian Navy’s Horizon-class destroyers.

DDX Destroyers

The new ships will be 180 meters long and have a full displacement of 13,500 tonnes, with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles and a crew of 251 personnel.

The ship’s combat system will be centered around the new SADOC 5 C5I system, along with new S-band multifunctional AESA digital radar by Leonardo.

The bow will feature two 8-cell Sylver A70 launchers for SCALP LACM cruise missiles, while the central section will house six 8-cell Sylver A50 launchers, providing 48 cells in total, for Aster 15, Aster 30, and Aster 30 B1 NT SAMs. For engaging surface targets, the ships will be equipped with four twin Teseo Mk2 EVO AShM launchers, carrying eight missiles in total.

The artillery and anti-submarine systems include a forward 127 mm LW gun capable of firing Vulcano BER/GLR ammunition, as well as two 76 mm guns equipped with the STRALES system and DART ammunition. Close-in defense is provided by OTO KBA 25 mm automatic cannons and machine guns, while anti-submarine warfare capabilities include B515/3 triple-tube torpedo launchers for ASW torpedoes and a flight deck with a hangar for two AW101 helicopters or unmanned systems.

In addition, the destroyers will be able to operate unmanned underwater and surface vehicles at a speed of 15 knots via a new digital network.

In July, Italy held a steel-cutting ceremony for the second FREMM frigate in the EVOLUTION configuration.

The first frigate is scheduled to enter service with the Navy in June 2029, while the second is expected to follow in June 2030.