Italian Navy gets fifth FREMM frigate
The Italian Navy received the fifth multi-mission frigate of the FREMM programme from Fincantieri on 30 September 2016.
Ten frigates are being built for the Italian Navy under the Italian-French programme coordinated by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). Italy’s prime contractor for the programme is Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (51% Fincantieri and 49% Finmeccanica).
The vessel, named Alpino, has been delivered in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. FREMM is also being delivered in anti-air warfare (FREDA) and general purpose (GP) versions. At 144m in length and with a full-load displacement of 6,700t, the vessel is designed to reach a maximum speed of 27 knots and to provide accommodation for 200 people.
The FREMM vessels will replace the Italian Navy’s Lupo (disarment completed in 2003) and Maestrale (approaching its operational life limit) class units, and will form the backbone of the Italian Navy performing a wide range of tactical roles across the three mission sets.
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