The Italian Navy has taken delivery of Emilio Bianchi (F 589), its tenth FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) multi-mission frigate from Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture owned by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Leonardo.
The Emilio Bianchi, constructed at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, features advanced systems from Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica.
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The vessel is designed to offer high operational flexibility and perform effectively across a wide range of tactical scenarios.
With a length of 144 metres (m) and a width of 19.7m, the frigate displaces approximately 6,700 tonnes when fully loaded. It can achieve speeds exceeding 27 knots and has the capacity to accommodate a crew of up to 200 personnel.
This tenth FREMM unit was commissioned from Orizzonte Sistemi Navali under an Italy-France international cooperation agreement managed by Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR).
The FREMM programme was launched in 2005, with the first ship delivered in May 2013.
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By GlobalDataFREMM frigates feature high automation, advanced onboard systems and reduced maintenance requirements, stated Fincantieri.
The ten units under this programme include four in general purpose configuration, four anti-submarine warfare, and two anti-submarine enhanced.
The handover of the Emilio Bianchi marks the completion of the anti-submarine enhanced configuration naval units under the programme.
In a statement, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali said: “This is a significant milestone for the programme, which remains one of the most important European industrial cooperation initiatives in the field of naval defence.
“We are proud to have played a key role in consolidating a strategic and excellent naval asset, aimed at meeting the future challenges of maritime security.”
In April 2025, Fincantieri commenced construction of two next-generation “EVOLUTION” frigates, known as FREMM EVO, with expected delivery dates in 2029 and 2030.
