Horizon-class frigates will undergo a $1.6bn upgrade and receive MBDA ASTER Block 1 NT interceptors to destroy ballistic missiles

Naviris and Eurosam have received funds to modernise four Horizon-class anti-aircraft frigates for the Italian and French navies. The upgrade will allow the ships to shoot down ballistic missiles.

Here's What We Know

The four Horizon-class frigates will undergo an interim upgrade. The contract from Europe's Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) says the project will begin in 2026 and run until 2030.

The main innovation will be the ability to intercept enemy ballistic missiles. For this purpose, the frigates will receive the next-generation Eurosam Principal surface-to-air missile system and long-range radars.

The ships will be equipped with a modernised launcher, two Leonard active phased array radars and will be able to launch MBDA ASTER Block 1 NT missile interceptors. These are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 1,500 kilometres carrying multiple individual warheads.

French and Italian ships will use a common electronic warfare system. At the same time, the navies of the two countries have not agreed on the integration of a common combat control system. This is reported by a representative of Naviris.

Naviris and Eurosam received $1.6 billion for the modernisation of frigates. The Italian ships will be upgraded at the Fincantieri Muggiano shipyard. The French frigates will be modernised at the naval base in Toulon.

Source: Breaking Defence