As Italy approaches the completion of its 10-ship FREMM fleet under the French OCCAR-led naval modernisation initiative, an enhanced ASW-configured frigate is delivered.
The Italian Navy formally received its ninth European Multi-Mission Frigate (FREMM ), Spartaco Schergat, on April 15, 2025. As the Prime Contractor and Combat System Design Authority for the Italian FREMM program, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), was responsible for delivering the vessel.
Representing the last delivery of Italy’s 10-ship FREMM procurement, the Spartaco Schergat is the first of two units constructed in the Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) configuration. Launched under an Italian-French international cooperation agreement run by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement), the plan seeks to rebuild Italy’s navy surface force by replacing the elderly Lupo and Maestrale class frigates.
Fincantieri’s combined shipyard at Riva Trigoso and Muggiano built the new unit. Measuring 144 meters long, 19.7 metres wide, and around 6,700 tonnes full-load displacement, it is built for fast travel, can surpass 27 mph and maintains long operations with a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. The ship has extended endurance appropriate for activities outside the Mediterranean and can hold up to 200 people.
While retaining multi-role capabilities, the Spartaco Schergat incorporates key ASW enhancements. It is intended for sea control missions, maritime communications line protection, and interdiction operations and can also function as a command platform for joint or combined task forces. The ship integrates subsystems developed by Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica and is equipped with high levels of automation and cyber-resilience to support long-term operational availability.
The FREMM program includes four general-purpose units, four ASW variants, and two Enhanced ASW units. The final two ships, designated as the next-generation “FREMM EVO”, are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered in 2029 and 2030. These vessels will introduce further technological improvements in line with evolving operational requirements.
Senior Italian naval and industry officials, including representatives from OCCAR and the French DGA, attended the handover ceremony, reflecting the binational framework of the FREMM initiative. With the delivery of the Spartaco Schergat, the Italian Navy is approaching the completion of one of its most substantial surface fleet modernisation efforts.
