The Italian Navy is moving ahead with its DDX destroyer program after Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a Fincantieri-Leonardo joint venture, secured a major contract for two vessels.
The 3.7-billion-euro ($4.2 billion) deal from OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) includes approximately 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in options and covers the ships’ development and production, along with logistical studies and initial in-service support.
Fincantieri will serve as the platform system integrator, while Leonardo will design and develop the warships’ combat system.
OSN will enter into sub-supply contracts worth around 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) for Fincantieri and approximately 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion) for Leonardo in the coming weeks.
The first destroyer is expected to be delivered by 2033, followed by the second in 2035.
“With the DDX programme, Italy is making a generational leap in its maritime defence capabilities and strengthening a strategic asset that involves the entire national system,” said OSN CEO Giovanni Sorrentino.
“This programme represents much more than the construction of two new naval units: it is the result of an extraordinary synergy among Italy’s industrial excellence, the Defence sector – and in particular the Italian Navy – and the international procurement agency OCCAR, bringing together innovation, expertise and strategic vision.”
Italy’s Next-Gen Destroyer
Italy’s next-generation destroyers will feature high levels of digitalization, automation, and integration among sensors, weapon systems, multi-domain command and control systems, and platform management systems.
The 180-meter-long (591-foot) DDX platform, featuring an open and scalable design, can accommodate 251 cot spaces.
With a 13,500-tonne displacement, the destroyer can sail for a range of over 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers/4,603 miles).
Innovations expected for the warship include a DC power sub-network with its associated energy storage system and a stabilization system integrated with the steering system, as well as algorithms and methodologies for calculating thermal and electrical balances.
The destroyer will feature an integrated air and missile defense capability, equipped with SADOC 5 C5I high-power, fully digital S-band active electronically scanned array radar, and MBDA’s weapon system.
An electronic warfare suite from Elt Group, along with artillery and close-in defense systems equipped with advanced smart munitions, will also complete the warship’s combat system.