Franco-Italian Horizon-class destroyers to receive new hypersonic and ballistic missile interception capability.

On March 17, 2025, the European Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement (OCCAR) detailed its Business Plan for 2025, outlining its continued management of defense programs with a focus on cost efficiency, performance, and schedule adherence. OCCAR's main programs for 2025 include the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of the Horizon-class destroyers and the Franco-Italian FREMM (Fregata Europea Multi-Missione) program, both aimed at modernizing European naval capabilities.
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The mid-life upgrades include new weapon systems, command and control improvements, and enhanced electronic warfare suites to counter evolving threats, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles, UAVs, and supersonic cruise missiles. (Picture source: French Navy)

The Horizon-class destroyer program originated from the Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF) project, a joint effort initiated in the early 1990s by France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The goal was to develop a new class of air-defense warships to replace older vessels in their respective navies. However, due to differing operational requirements, workshare disagreements, and program delays, the UK withdrew in 1999 to pursue its own Type 45 destroyer project. France and Italy proceeded with a revised design, finalizing an agreement in 2000 to construct four Horizon-class destroyers—two for each navy.

The vessels were built by a partnership between Fincantieri and Naval Group, with the PAAMS missile system integrated under the responsibility of Eurosam. The first ships, Forbin for France and Andrea Doria for Italy, were commissioned between 2007 and 2009. Designed primarily for fleet air defense, the Horizon-class is equipped with Aster missiles, EMPAR multi-function radar, and advanced electronic warfare systems to counter aerial threats, including high-speed and low-altitude missiles. The mid-life upgrade program now seeks to modernize these ships to address emerging threats, ensuring their continued operational relevance.

The Horizon-class MLU program is intended to address system obsolescence and integrate updated Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) and Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS). The upgrade includes national modifications for specific combat and platform systems. An Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) system will be established for all upgraded equipment. The program’s development phase includes key milestones such as the completion of the System Design Review (SDR) in 2024 and the Critical Design Review (CDR) in 2025. Integration of the upgraded systems on the first Italian vessel is scheduled for mid-2026, followed by the second in late 2027. The first French ship will undergo integration from mid-2028, with the second in the second half of 2029. The program is expected to be completed, including the guarantee period, by the end of 2030.

The MLU contract, valued at €1.5 billion, was awarded to Naviris and Eurosam on July 28, 2023. These contractors, in collaboration with Fincantieri, Naval Group, MBDA Italy, MBDA France, and Thales LAS France, are responsible for developing and integrating the upgraded AAW and EWS components. The upgrades include new weapon systems, command and control improvements, and enhanced electronic warfare suites to counter evolving threats, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles, UAVs, and supersonic cruise missiles in high-intensity conflict scenarios.

The Horizon MLU program applies to the four Horizon-class vessels: Andrea Doria, Caio Duilio, Forbin, and Chevalier Paul. The upgrades focus on AAW and EW systems while optimizing ISS and cooperative procurement advantages. Delivery timelines include the first Italian ship in 2027, the second in mid-2029, the first French ship by late 2029, and the second by the end of 2030. Originally commissioned between 2007 and 2009, these Franco-Italian-developed ships serve as key air defense assets. The Horizon-class destroyers, constructed by Fincantieri and Naval Group, are equipped with PAAMS, Aster missiles, EMPAR radars, and electronic warfare systems. The vessels measure 153 meters in length, have a displacement exceeding 7,000 tonnes at full load, a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 18 knots, and a maximum speed of 29 knots.

France and Italy proceeded with a revised design, finalizing an agreement in 2000 to construct four Horizon-class destroyers—two for each navy. (Picture source: French Navy)

The Franco-Italian FREMM program involves the construction of eight frigates for the French Navy and 12 for the Italian Navy. These multi-mission frigates include variants for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (FREDA), and general-purpose (GP) missions. The program, managed by OCCAR since 2005, continues efforts to modernize naval surface fleets. The last French FREDA variant was delivered in November 2022, while the Italian Navy is scheduled to receive its final two "Evolution" variants in 2029 and 2030. By 2025, eight Italian FREMM frigates will have been delivered, with two additional ASW variants expected that year.

The FREMM program operates under a joint contract between France's Naval Group and Italy's Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. The Evolution configuration includes enhanced automation and an optimized human-machine interface to increase operational flexibility. The program's estimated total cost, based on 2005 economic conditions, is €12.8 billion, while the Evolution variant, calculated under 2024 conditions, amounts to €3 billion. Development and production activities for the FREMM program in Italy are expected to continue until 2040. The FREMM frigates range from 142 to 144 meters in length, have a displacement of 6,000 to 6,700 tonnes, a maximum speed of 27 knots, and an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles.

For 2025, key milestones include the completion of CDR 1 for the Horizon MLU program, deliveries of the Italian FREMM GP 6 and 7, the establishment of a new In-Service Support (ISS) framework for Italian FREMM vessels, and the system-level CDR for the Italian FREMM Evolution variant. Beyond 2026, the second phase of the Horizon MLU System Design Review will be conducted for French-specific components, alongside sustainment initiatives for Italian FREMM ships and the production of the first two FREMM Evolution units.

OCCAR also oversees European missile defense programs through the FSAF-PAAMS program, which includes the Aster missile family. The SAMP/T NG (New Generation) system is undergoing upgrades for the French Air Force, Italian Army, and Italian Air Force. The UK is participating in modernization efforts by integrating Aster 30 B1 missiles into its Sea Viper system for Type 45 destroyers. OCCAR is also managing the production of the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile Extended Range (CAMM-ER) for the Italian Army and Air Force, with the first fire unit scheduled for delivery in 2025. The PAAMS and Long-Range Radar (LRR) Mid-Life Upgrade for Franco-Italian Horizon-class frigates will enhance naval Aster missiles and the Vertical Launch System (VLS), with the first Aster MLU deliveries to France and Italy occurring in 2024.

The program is set to enter a new phase in 2026, with the Operational Readiness Review (ORR) for SAMP/T NG and the first test engagements against ballistic targets. Further development and qualification activities will continue for Aster 30 B1NT and the VLS. The Italian Army is expected to conduct operational evaluations of the GRIFO CAMM-ER fire unit. The continued modernization efforts aim to enhance European nations' air and missile defense capabilities.

The FREMM multi-mission frigates include variants for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (FREDA), and general-purpose (GP) missions. (Picture source: Italian Navy)