Construction of second Fremm Evo frigate begins; Portugal secures three units

A ceremony at Fincantieri's Riva Trigoso shipyard cut the first steel plate for the second Fremm Evo frigate destined for the Italian Navy, marking the start of its construction with delivery slated for 2030. A Portuguese delegation led by Rear Admiral Antonio Mateus attended, underscoring Portugal's integration into the program and its order for three additional frigates along with logistical support.

The Fremm Evo program, managed by OCCAR, has already delivered ten frigates to Italy and eight to France, and completed a successful critical design review in December 2025, authorising the move to production. Prime contractor Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, together with Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA and EltGroup, highlighted the project as a showcase of Italian industrial capability and multinational defence cooperation.