Italian Navy Secures €3.7 Billion for Two DDX Destroyers
A Fincantieri-Leonardo joint venture has won a €3.7 billion contract to build two next-generation DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy, with deliveries
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has issued a €3.7 billion contract for two new DDX destroyers. The vessels will be built by the Orizzonte Sistemi Navali joint venture, owned by Italian firms Fincantieri and Leonardo.
The deal represents a major investment in the Italian Navy's future air and missile defence capabilities. The two ships are slated to replace the aging Durand de la Penne-class destroyers. Their delivery is now planned for 2033 and 2035, a delay from an originally reported target of 2028. Accounts differ on the reasons for the delay, with one citing problems linked to defining operational requirements and financial resources.
Contract Structure and Industrial Impact
The total contract value is approximately €3.7 billion. Roughly €1.3 billion of this consists of optional elements. The core award will see sub-contracts cemented with the two parent companies in the coming weeks.
| Company | Sub-contract Value |
|---|---|
| Fincantieri | €1.8 billion |
| Leonardo | €1.7 billion |
Fincantieri, which owns 51% of the joint venture, is responsible for the ship's design and construction. Leonardo, holding a 49% stake, leads the combat system development. Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo's CEO, stated the new units will offer "advanced operational performance and capable of addressing a broad spectrum of threats."
Vessel Specifications and Capabilities
The DDX destroyers are substantial warships designed for long-range operations. They will feature significant technological advancements in both platform management and combat systems.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 180 meters |
| Displacement | 13,500 tonnes |
| Range | Over 4,000 nautical miles |
Key platform innovations include a DC power network with energy storage and an integrated stabilisation and steering system. The combat system is built around the SADOC 5 C5I command suite, a digital S-band AESA radar, and weaponry from MBDA. This combination is intended to provide unprecedented integrated air and missile defence against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The Italian electronics firm ELT Group will also supply a next-generation electronic warfare suite for the vessels.
Broader Industrial Context
The contract finalisation aligns with Fincantieri's recent business forecasts. The shipbuilder indicated in May that it expected to secure near-term orders worth around €5 billion, which included the DDX program. The company also noted then that two units from the Italian Navy's Joint Maritime Mission System program would be contracted within months. Beyond this domestic work, Fincantieri has plans to finalise major contracts with several foreign navies for surface vessels, including FREMM frigates, and for service provision in the Middle East and other key regions.
