Horizon Frigate Upgrade: Key Design Review Completed
European consortiums Naviris and Eurosam have successfully concluded the crucial design review for the Horizon frigate mid-life upgrade program. This significant milestone paves the way for the production phase, marking a key step forward for the project. The Horizon-class warships, operated by both the French and Italian navies, are scheduled to undergo their midlife upgrades from 2026 to 2030. The enhancements aim to bolster the vessels’ capabilities while extending their operational lifespan.
The Horizon-class ships, which measure 153 meters (501 feet) in length, were originally delivered between 2009 and 2011. The upgrade program award was granted in 2023, with Naviris and Eurosam leading the initiative. They are supported by major industry players including Fincantieri, Naval Group, Leonardo, Thales, SiGen, and MBDA. Notably, Naviris operates as a joint venture between Naval Group and Fincantieri, while Eurosam is a partnership involving MBDA France, MBDA Italy, and Thales Group.
Advanced Systems Integration for Enhanced Capabilities
A key component of the upgrade involves the incorporation of advanced systems aboard the frigates. Central to this is the Aster missile-based PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System), which is designed for anti-air warfare. Equipped with long-range radar capabilities, the PAAMS system can intercept a variety of threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, combat aircraft, and drones.
The PAAMS utilizes the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missile variants, which boast effective ranges of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) and over 100 kilometers (62 miles), respectively. The integration of these state-of-the-art systems is scheduled to commence on the first Italian vessel in mid-2026. Subsequently, the second Italian vessel will see upgrades by the end of 2027. In France, the first vessel is expected to start its integration phase in mid-2028, followed by the second vessel at the end of 2029.
