Italy has contracted Orizzonte Sistemi Navali under an OCCAR‑brokered €3.7 billion deal to build two DDX destroyers, due in 2033 and 2035. Each 180‑metre, 13,500‑tonne ship will carry 251 crew and have a range of about 4,000 nautical miles. Leonardo will provide an advanced, digitalized combat system including SADOC 5 and an S‑band AESA radar, while MBDA will supply armaments. The DDXs form part of a wider Italian Navy fleet renewal and will eventually replace the Horizon‑class destroyers.
Italy Orders Two Advanced DDX Destroyers in €3.7 Billion OCCAR Contract
Officials are pictured at the signing of a contract for two DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy on Sept. 24, 2026. (Fincantieri)
ROME — Italy has awarded a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) OCCAR‑brokered contract to build two next‑generation DDX destroyers, a move designers say will deliver a substantial upgrade in capability for the Italian Navy. The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2033 and 2035.
Contract and Builders
The contract was placed with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), an Italian joint venture in which state shipyard Fincantieri holds a 51% stake and defense group Leonardo owns 49%. The program will be managed through OCCAR, the European defence procurement agency.
Ship Characteristics and Performance
Each DDX destroyer will displace 13,500 tonnes, measure 180 metres in length and be crewed by 251 personnel. Fincantieri says the vessels will have an operational range of roughly 4,000 nautical miles.
Combat Systems and Innovation
Leonardo will supply the combat system, described by the companies as featuring "advanced digitalization." Key onboard systems include Leonardo's SADOC 5 command‑and‑control suite, a digital S‑band AESA radar and weapon systems from MBDA.
Beyond sensors and weapons, the ships will incorporate a DC power sub‑network with energy storage, an innovative stabilization system integrated with steering, and new algorithms and methodologies for calculating thermal and electrical balances. Further digital enhancements to the Ship Management System are also planned.
Strategic Context
The DDX procurement continues a broader fleet renewal for the Italian Navy following recent orders for FREMM‑class frigates, PPA multimission ships, a new landing helicopter dock, submarines and logistics vessels. A navy spokesman said the new destroyers will operate alongside — and ultimately replace — Italy's two Horizon‑class vessels.
Delivery timeline: 2033 and 2035. Contract value: €3.7 billion (~$4.2 billion).
Help us improve.
