Tenth Italy Navy FREMM frigate Emilio Bianchi launched by Fincantieri.

According to information published by Fincantieri on May 25, 2024, the last of the Italian Navy's series of ten FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) units, Emilio Bianchi, was launched at the Riva Trigoso shipyard. This milestone is part of the Italian-French international cooperation agreement managed by OCCAR, the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation.
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Italian FREMM frigate Emilio Bianchi. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

Following its launch, "Emilio Bianchi" will proceed to the Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia for final outfitting and is expected to be delivered in 2025. The frigate, like its sister ships, will feature high operational flexibility, capable of undertaking a range of tactical missions. It boasts a length of 144 meters, a width of 19.7 meters, and a full load displacement of approximately 6,700 tons. It can reach speeds over 27 knots and accommodate around 200 personnel.

The FREMM program is a critical joint initiative among European industries, representing the cutting edge of Italian and European defense capabilities. This program aims to modernize the naval fleet, replacing older classes such as the "Lupo" and "Maestrale," both constructed by Fincantieri in the latter part of the 20th century.

The previous frigates in this series include "Carlo Bergamini" (delivered in 2012), "Virginio Fasan" (2013), "Carlo Margottini" (2014), "Carabiniere" (2015), "Alpino" (2016), "Luigi Rizzo" (2017), "Federico Martinengo" (2018), "Antonio Marceglia" (2019), with "Spartaco Schergat" currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in April 2025.

Advanced systems like the Thales 4110CL bow-mounted sonar and the CAPTAS-4 towed sonar suite ensure superior submarine detection and engagement capabilities.

Technologically, the "Emilio Bianchi" integrates the Leonardo SADOC 3 combat management system (CMS), facilitating efficient threat management through its sophisticated radar and electronic warfare systems.