On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Italian Navy officially received the multipurpose frigate Spartaco Schergat (F 598) at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia. This vessel is the ninth unit of the FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) program, developed under the Italian-French collaboration and managed by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement). The tenth and final unit, Emilio Bianchi, is scheduled for delivery in July 2025.
Both ships are in the ASW Enhanced configuration, designed to replace two general-purpose FREMM frigates previously sold to Egypt. This configuration combines the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities of the ASW variant with features from the general-purpose (GP) variant, enhancing operational flexibility.
Constructed at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyards in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, the Spartaco Schergat measures 144 meters in length, 19.7 meters in width, and has a full-load displacement of approximately 6,700 tons. It can achieve speeds exceeding 27 knots and accommodates up to 200 personnel.
Key enhancements in the ASW Enhanced configuration include:
- Replacement of the 76 mm bow gun with a 127 mm naval gun, providing extended range and precision for shore bombardment.
- Integration of a new electronic warfare (EW) suite developed entirely by ELT Group, offering advanced detection and countermeasure capabilities.
- Retention of the Thales CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar system, ensuring robust anti-submarine detection and tracking capabilities.
The FREMM program represents a significant advancement in the Italian Navy’s capabilities, being the most extensive, long-standing, and versatile class of frigates developed in the post-war era. The program includes five configurations, catering to various operational requirements and export opportunities.
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