The Italian Navy has officially taken delivery of the multi-mission frigate Emilio Bianchi, developed under a bilateral defense agreement between Italy and France, overseen by OCCAR.
Constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, the vessel incorporates advanced systems from Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica.
The Emilio Bianchi is 144.6 meters (474.5 feet) long with a 19.7-meter (64.6 feet) beam, and it displaces roughly 6,700 tons at full load.
Its propulsion system combines diesel-electric engines with gas turbines, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding 27 knots (50 km/h or 31 mph). At a cruising speed of 15 knots, it has a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km or 6,900 miles).
Key features include the Kronos Grand Naval AESA radar, a complete sonar suite, and Aster SAMs. It also carries a 127mm naval gun, torpedo launchers, and supports operations with an NH90 helicopter.
