Portugal to order 3 FREMM frigates from Italy

Portugal is set to acquire three FREMM multi-purpose frigates from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, a deal valued at approximately 3 billion euros (about 110.6 billion New Taiwan dollars). The announcement was made by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

The FREMM frigates, jointly designed by Fincantieri and France's Naval Group, are advanced multi-mission warships. Fincantieri's upgraded version, known as 'FREMM EVO,' features enhanced combat management systems, data link systems, and specialized integration for unmanned systems.

These frigates are equipped with four fixed dual-band multi-function AESA radars. They can be fitted with a 16 to 32-cell Sylver vertical launching system in the bow, capable of launching Aster surface-to-air missiles and long-range cruise missiles. For anti-ship capabilities, they will carry the new generation Teseo Mk2/E missile for long-range precision strikes.

Defensive measures include the Oto Melara 76mm cannon or a 127mm guided naval gun, along with an air-burst munition (ABM) package. Prime Minister Meloni expressed great satisfaction with the contract, calling it not only an affirmation of Italian industrial excellence but also a demonstration of Europe's capacity to strengthen its strategic autonomy by investing in domestic industrial and technological capabilities.

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This is not only an affirmation of Italian industrial excellence, but also proof that Europe can strengthen its strategic autonomy by investing in the industrial and technological capabilities of its own companies.