TRIESTE – Portugal will purchase three FREMM Evo multi-role frigates built by Fincantieri, in a deal valued at approximately 3 billion euros, which represents one of the most significant European contracts in the military shipbuilding sector.
The announcement came at the conclusion of the summit at Palazzo Chigi between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and was reported by major news agencies. Meloni described the agreement as “a recognition of the Italian defense industry,” emphasizing that it also represents “a way for Europe to strengthen its autonomy by investing in its own technological capabilities and companies.”
The agreement calls for the construction of three new-generation FREMM Evo (Evolution) class frigates, an evolution of the FREMM program jointly developed by Fincantieri and the French group Naval Group. The ships will be built by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture 51% owned by Fincantieri and 49% by Leonardo.
The new ships will be deployed on multi-role missions and will be equipped with anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and deep-sea attack capabilities. 144 meters long and capable of sustained speeds exceeding 27 knots , will incorporate the latest technologies developed for naval defense, including advanced systems to counter drones and unmanned vehicles in the air, on the sea, and underwater.
According to Portuguese authorities, the base value of the contract is approximately 3 billion euros, but when logistics support, technology transfer, operational requirements, and support over a life cycle of at least thirty years are included, the total investment could reach 3.9 billion euros. Rumors had already surfaced last December regarding the imminent finalization of the agreement with an economic valuation of this magnitude.
The operation will be funded under the European SAFE program, the EU mechanism designed to support strategic investments in defense through grants and subsidized loans.
