Fincantieri and Leonardo: 3.7 billion contract for two Ddx destroyers

The contract for two new generation Ddx destroyers is worth 3.7 billion for Fincantieri and Leonardo, through the joint venture Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. in the note announcing the operation, the companies involved speak of a "generational leap", it is "the official launch - they add - of one of the most relevant programs for the future of the naval component of the Italian Defence".

It is «a new generation of units designed to operate in maritime scenarios characterized by growing complexity, rapid technological evolution and ever-increasing integration between the different operational domains». Delivery of the first and second units is expected in 2033 and 2035 respectively.

The Ddx platform, 180 metres, 13,500 tonnes of displacement, also focuses on highly advanced digitalisation, for "thinking ships", the Navis Sapiens concept developed by Fincantieri. These are therefore military ships with high technological content.

Among the main innovations envisaged on the platform are a direct current sub-network with related storage system, an innovative stabilization system integrated with the governance system, new algorithms and methodologies for calculating thermal and electrical balances and further digital evolutions of the Ship Management System.

The DDX unit, thanks to the new generation C5I SADOC 5, the high-power fully digital S-band AESA radar and the MBDA weapon system, will be equipped with an IAMD (Integrated Air & Missile Defense) capability against unprecedented missile, ballistic and hypersonic threats, guaranteeing the full multi-domain interoperability that represents the core of the technology underlying Leonardo's Michelangelo project.

Completing the combat system will be the new generation electronic warfare component developed by Elt Group and artillery and close defense systems equipped with advanced intelligent ammunition.