First Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare FREMM Frigate Spartaco Schergat Joins the Italian Navy.

On April 15, 2025, the Italian Navy officially received the ninth FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) vessel, Spartaco Schergat, during a delivery ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia. The event marked a significant achievement for the FREMM program, a joint Italian-French naval initiative developed under OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement). The ship was delivered by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture formed by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), which serves as the Prime Contractor and authority for the ship’s overall and combat system design.
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The Italian Navy's new FREMM frigate Spartaco Schergat, the first in the Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare configuration, seen during its official delivery ceremony at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard on April 15, 2025. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

The delivery ceremony of the Spartaco Schergat FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) frigate was attended by key figures from the naval and defense sectors, including Dario Deste, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division, Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of OSN, Joachim Sucker, Director General of OCCAR, Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro, Commander of the Interregional Maritime Command South, Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of Naval Armaments, and General François Watteau, representing the French DGA.

The Spartaco Schergat is the first of two Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variants being delivered under the FREMM program and reflects the most advanced evolution of the multi-role frigate design. Combining the capabilities of both the General Purpose and ASW configurations, the ship is tailored to perform a full spectrum of maritime operations, from submarine detection and sea control to complex command and joint-force coordination. As a key asset in Italy’s naval modernization efforts, it is optimized for both national and allied missions in the Mediterranean and beyond.

This state-of-the-art vessel, constructed at the Fincantieri Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, measures 144 meters in length with a beam of 19.7 meters and has a full-load displacement of approximately 6,700 tons. It can reach speeds of over 27 knots and accommodates up to 200 personnel. Designed for extended missions, it offers an operational range of about 6,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. The ship is equipped with a wide array of high-tech systems provided by Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica, emphasizing advanced automation, cyber resilience, and high operational flexibility.

Human-centric design played a key role in the ship’s development, resulting in optimized workspaces and integrated onboard services that improve efficiency and reduce crew workload. With a highly automated platform and streamlined maintenance procedures, the Spartaco Schergat ensures superior readiness and long-term operational availability.

The Spartaco Schergat is equipped with a comprehensive suite of weaponry tailored for its Enhanced ASW role. Its primary armament includes a 127/64 mm OTO Melara naval gun, capable of firing precision-guided Vulcano munitions for long-range engagements, and a 76/62 mm Super Rapid gun with the STRALES/DAVIDE system for close-in defense. For anti-air warfare, the frigate features 16 Sylver A50 vertical launch system (VLS) cells accommodating MBDA Aster 15 and Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles. The ship is also equipped with four Teseo Mk2/A anti-ship missiles and four Milas anti-submarine missiles, providing robust surface and subsurface strike capabilities. Additionally, it has two triple 324 mm torpedo launchers for MU90 Impact torpedoes, two OTO Melara/Oerlikon KBA 25/80 mm cannons, and two SCLAR-H decoy launchers for electronic countermeasures. The SLAT anti-torpedo system further enhances its defensive suite. The frigate can operate two NH90 or EH101 helicopters, extending its operational reach and versatility. ​

Launched in 2005, the FREMM program remains one of the most significant defense collaborations in Europe’s naval sector. Managed by OCCAR, the program envisions the construction of ten frigates for the Italian Navy—four configured for General Purpose missions, four for Anti-Submarine Warfare, and two as Enhanced ASW units. The FREMM series is set to culminate with the next-generation “FREMM EVO” versions, which are currently under construction at Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries expected in 2029 and 2030.

The FREMM project represents a cornerstone of European naval innovation and industrial cooperation. It also plays a pivotal role in renewing the Italian Navy’s surface fleet by replacing the aging Lupo and Maestrale class frigates. The successful delivery of the Spartaco Schergat underscores Italy’s capability to produce world-class warships while enhancing the interoperability and strategic autonomy of European maritime forces.