Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that Portugal has decided to acquire three FREMM EVO multi-purpose frigates, supporting its navy’s modernization efforts.
The acquisition, reported to range from 3 billion to nearly 3.9 billion euros ($3.4 to $4.4 billion), includes the frigates’ sustainment, technology transfer, and other related support elements to ensure the vessels’ service life of up to 30 years.
Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2030, according to the Portuguese defense ministry, as quoted by Reuters.
During a press conference in Rome with her Portuguese counterpart Luis Montenegro, Meloni praised Lisbon’s decision to acquire the frigates.
“It is a recognition of the excellence of Italian industry, but it is also proof that Europe can strengthen its strategic autonomy by investing in the industrial and technological capabilities of its companies,” said the Italian PM.
FREMM Frigates
FREMM frigates — built for anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and deep-strike missions — are jointly designed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and French company Naval Group.
The EVO variant is the Franco-Italian program’s latest evolution as a 144-meter-long (472 feet) vessel that can accommodate a total of 179 people.
It can sail at speeds of over 27 knots (50 kilometers/31 miles per hour) and remain at sea for 45 days.
The surface combatants are operational in Italy as the Bergamini class and in France as the Aquitaine class.
Several countries, including Egypt and Greece, also operate or have ordered the FREMM frigates.
