DEFEA 2021: Fincantieri showcases Bergamini-class FREMM frigate.

The Italian firm Fincantieri showcases a model of Bergamini-class FREMM frigate which is the Italian offer as part of the Greek procurement of four frigates. Fincantieri S.p.A. is an Italian shipbuilding company based in Trieste, Italy, which builds both commercial and military vessels.

A model of Bergamini-class FREMM frigate (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The FREMM is a class of multi-purpose frigates designed by French company Naval Group and Fincantieri from Italy for the navies of France and Italy. The FREMM program consists of the construction of 18 ships: 8 for France, 10 for Italy. The first FREMM was delivered in 2012 and the objective of contractual delivery is 2022 for the whole 18 frigates.

The Italian FREMM is also being developed in two designs: Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) and General Purpose (armed with DCNS Sylver A-50 Vertical Launching System / VLS), with the possibility to perform a wide range of operational missions. The Italian versions also operate with a reduced crew thanks to Human Factors optimizations and a high level of automation with 2 helicopters (with two crews), a federated Combat Management System, and a higher level of maintainers embarked to ensure greater flexibility.

The FREEM frigates of the Italian Navy are armed with the SAAM Aster 15 and 30 missile system for air-defense capability and also Teseo Mk2 (export version – Otomat Mk2) sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, both supplied by MBDA.

Teseo Mk2 uses command-updated inertial guidance and has a range of up to 55km. Two DCNS Sylver A43 vertical-launch systems are fitted to each ship.

Frigates are equipped with MBDA’s Milas all-weather anti-submarine warfare weapon system. Milas, a derivative of Otomat Mk2, carries and releases a lightweight torpedo such as an MU-90 close to the designated hostile submarine. The submarine’s position is indicated by the ship’s sonar or by other assets such as an ASW helicopter or maritime patrol aircraft.