France and Italy join forces to modernize Horizon class frigates.

According to information published by the French MoD on June 21, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Mid-Life Upgrade of the Horizon-class ships was signed by General Portolano, representing SGD/DNA, and General Carlier, representing France's DGA.
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French Horizon class frigate Forbin. (Picture source: French Navy)

The Horizon class, known as "Classe Horizon" in French and "Classe Orizzonte" in Italian, is a series of air-defense destroyers employed by the French and Italian navies. The Italians categorize them as destroyers adhering to NATO classification, while the French identify them as "frigates".

The Horizon class originated from the Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF) program, a joint initiative between France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, aimed at developing a new generation of air-defense warships.

However, differing national needs, disagreements on workshare, and delays led the UK to withdraw from the project in 1999 and pursue the development of the Type 45 destroyer instead.

Interestingly, the FREMM multipurpose frigate was created using the same collaborative structure as the Horizon project.

About the frigates

The Horizon class frigates, displacing 7,050 tons at full load and measuring 152.87 meters in length, are designed for diverse naval missions. The vessel is powered by a combination of gas turbines and diesel engines, reaching speeds of over 29 knots and offering a range of up to 6,100 nautical miles at 18 knots.

The frigate's armament includes the PAAMS air-defence system with a 48-cell A50 Sylver Vertical Launching System for up to 48 Aster 15 or Aster 30 missiles, anti-ship missiles like Exocet MM40 Block 3 or TESEO Mk-2/A, and various gun systems for close-range combat. It's also equipped with anti-submarine warfare capabilities including two WASS B515/1 single torpedo tubes for MU90 Impact torpedoes.

The frigate houses advanced sensor and processing systems, including the Selex ES EMPAR phased array G band multi-purpose radar, BAE/Thales Group S1850M long-range radar, and Thales Group UMS 4110 CL sonar, among others.

The Horizon class can accommodate a crew of up to 236 members and carries one AW-101 or SH90A aircraft, with a spacious flight deck and hangar facilities. Its flexibility and extensive range of capabilities make it a valuable asset in modern naval warfare.