FREMM multipurpose frigate-class

Summary

Description

The FREMM multipurpose frigate, a product of Franco-Italian collaboration, is a family of multi-purpose frigates used by several navies across the globe. Designed to fulfill a variety of missions, the FREMM stands for "European multi-purpose frigate," with France naming their ships the Aquitaine class and Italy the Bergamini class. Initially, France planned for 17 units and Italy for 10, with the lead ship commissioned in 2012 by the French Navy. The variants include general purpose and anti-submarine for Italy, while France ordered anti-submarine and air-defense variants.

Operational history of these ships is marked by France's reduction of orders due to budget cuts and Italy's consistent procurement. The FREMM has seen exports, notably to the United States, where a variant was selected for the new Constellation class of 20 frigates, starting with a significant contract awarded to Fincantieri for the lead ship.

The design of the FREMM frigate accommodates different missions with three original variants proposed: anti-submarine, general-purpose, and land-attack, the latter eventually cancelled. Notably, France developed an anti-air warfare variant, FREDA, necessitated by the need to replace aging frigates, featuring a more powerful radar system and missile capability for enhanced defense.

The Italian FREMM frigates, termed FREMM-IT, boast advanced anti-air warfare capabilities, equipped with modern radar systems, missiles for extended defense, and stealth technology enhancements. Some units have been sold to Egypt, with Italy planning replacements. France's FREMMs have been scaled down in number to allocate for newer mid-size frigates, yet they remain integral to the navy with the delivery of air defense FREMM frigates equipped with advanced missile systems to protect critical units like the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Technical specifications

Photo of FREMM multipurpose frigate class