Horizon frigate MLU programme completes critical design review

Naviris and Eurosam have completed the first critical design review (CDR) for the Horizon Mid-Life Upgrade (HRZ MLU) programme, Eurosam announced on 10 April 2025.

The announcement is a pivotal moment for the Franco-Italian frigate programme as it officially marks the transition from the design phase to the production phase.

Originally delivered between 2009 and 2011, the Horizon-class ships – the Italian Navy’s Andrea Doria and Caio Duilio and the French Navy’s Forbin and Chevalier Paul – are set to undergo their MLU between 2026 and 2030. The upgrade aims to ensure that the ships will remain equipped with state-of-the-art technology and enhanced capabilities, extending their operational lifespan while preserving and expanding their performance.

Awarded in July 2023 by Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), acting on behalf of the French and Italian nations, the HRZ MLU contract is led by Naviris (a 50/50 joint venture created by Italy’s Fincantieri and France’s Naval Group) and Eurosam and is supported by both Fincantieri and Naval Group as well as key partners such as Leonardo, Thales, SiGen and MBDA.

The HRZ MLU programme addresses key national requirements focusing on the development, production and integration of Eurosam’s Aster-missile-based Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) as well as advanced electronic warfare systems, providing enhanced new capabilities and performances against the most modern threats while resolving obsolescence issues and updating systems to ensure continued reliability and effectiveness.

Following the completion of the system design review (SDR) in 2024, and now the CDR in April 2025, the integration of new systems is scheduled as follows:

• Italian Navy: integration on the first-of-class ship will begin mid-2026, followed by follow-on ship at the end of 2027;
• French Navy: integration on the first-of-class ship will begin mid-2028, followed by follow-on ship at the end of 2029.

All upgrade activities are programmed to be concluded by 2030, “hardening the Horizon-class frigates’ position as cutting-edge assets for national defence”, Eurosam stated.