Portugal purchases three frigates for around €3.9 billion

Portugal purchases three frigates for around €3.9 billion - Portugal Business News

Defence News Europe - Portugal purchases three FREMM EVO frigates for around €3.9 billion from Italian company FINCANTIERI, with delivery expected to be between 2029 and 2030. Here are the specifications of FREMM EVO frigates:

Portugal and Italy have signed an agreement for the purchase of three state-of-the-art frigates, with a contract including maintenance, technology transfer, and other conditions necessary for their operational use throughout their life cycle, which is no less than 30 years. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo, and Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, in Rome.

"I am very pleased with the decision of the Portuguese authorities to acquire three EVO frigates built by Fincantieri," declared the Head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni.

Portugal´s investment in the ocean surface and anti-submarine warfare sector also foresees cooperation with Defense industries, including Portuguese companies that will benefit from technology transfer and from the revitalization of the Alfeite Arsenal, that are expected to produce a significant return for the Portuguese economy.

Portugal´s purchase of three frigates from Italy represents a significant portion of Portugal's SAFE investment, worth 5.8 billion euros. The European SAFE program is the largest investment in the re-equipment of its Armed Forces including in the naval, land, air (including drones) and Space sectors.

Portugal´s acquisition of FREMM EVO frigates will strengthen Portugal´s naval capabilities, especially in the fields of air defense, anti-submarine warfare, protection against missiles and drones, electronic warfare, while enabling integrated operations with NATO forces.

What are the specifications of FREMM EVO frigates?

FREMM EVO frigates represent the European Multi-Mission Frigate Evolution and are the most advanced version of frigates developed jointly by Italy and France. The Italian FREMM EVO frigates are developed by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a company controlled by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%).

The FREMM EVO frigates that are in use by the Italian Navy are comprised of a platform management system resistant to cyberattacks, the SADOC 4 combat system, new electronic warfare equipment, and fixed-face AESA radars operating in the X and C bands. The sensors enhance air defense capabilities, including tracking threats posed by tactical ballistic missiles. The Italian navy frigates also have improved sonar systems, communications, data links, drone defense, and the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles, surface vehicles, and submarines.