The Italian Navy is preparing to launch a procurement program on February 18 for two next-generation destroyers, with the acquisition estimated at €2.7 billion ($3.17 billion). The new warships will be constructed by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali and will replace the aging Durand de la Penne-class destroyers commissioned in the early 1990s.
Known as the DDX class, the vessels are conceived as a further development of the Italian Navy’s FREMM Evolution frigates now under construction, building on the proven FREMM multipurpose frigate design currently in service. The program reflects Italy’s intent to modernize its surface combatant fleet with larger, more capable platforms.
The DDX initiative began in 2020 with a preliminary design and feasibility study. At that time, the acquisition roadmap called for a two-year risk-reduction phase, followed by contract award in 2023 and commissioning approximately five years later. Delays in refining operational requirements, however, pushed the production contract back by around three years.
The destroyers are expected to be about 175 meters long, with a beam of 24 meters and a draught of 9 meters, and to embark a crew of more than 300 sailors. Propulsion will be provided by a CODOGAL system, enabling speeds in excess of 30 knots.
Planned armament includes six eight-cell vertical launch system modules for Aster surface-to-air missiles, providing area air defense capability. The ships are also expected to field a land-attack capability, potentially via a naval variant of the SCALP cruise missile or the Teseo Mk2/Evolved missile, which is believed to offer land-strike functionality in coastal operations.
Aviation facilities will consist of a stern flight deck and hangar capable of operating two EH101 or two SH90 helicopters, supporting anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and maritime strike missions.
