OSN secures contract for Italy's new DDX destroyers

A computer generated image of a future DDX destroyer for the Italian Navy, being built by Fincantieri and Leonardo joint venture Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, with the first expected to be delivered in 2033. (OCCAR)

OCCAR has awarded Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) a contract for the development, construction, and initial in-service support of the Italian Navy's first DDX next-generation destroyer, with an option covering a second vessel.

The contract was signed on 24 September on behalf of Italy with OSN, the joint venture owned by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%). Industry puts the total value at approximately EUR3.7 billion (USD4.3 billion), including around EUR1.3 billion in options. Fincantieri and Leonardo are expected to receive subcontracts worth about EUR1.8 billion and EUR1.7 billion respectively, also including options.

The DDXs will replace the Italian Navy's ageing Durand de la Penne-class destroyers and are intended to provide fleet air and missile defence, long-range strike, command-and-control, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, according to OCCAR. Delivery of the first ship is scheduled for 2033 and the second for 2035.

Fincantieri said the DDX design will be 180 m long, displace 13,500 tonnes, have a range of 4,000 n miles, and accommodate a crew of 251. The company will take the role of ship design authority and platform system integrator: key innovations envisaged for the DDX platform include a DC power sub-network with its associated energy storage system; an innovative stabilisation system integrated with the steering system; and Fincantieri's Navis Sapiens ‘intelligent' digital ship platform. Leonardo will develop the combat system. Designed to counter sea-skimming, ballistic and hypersonic missile threats, the DDX combat system will be underpinned by a core multi-domain architecture technology founded on Leonardo's Michelangelo project.