The Italian Navy has taken delivery of the Emilio Bianchi, a next-generation multi-role frigate built through bilateral defense collaboration with France and overseen by the OCCAR agency.
The vessel was constructed at Fincantieri’s northern Italian facilities in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano. It incorporates advanced naval systems from major defense contractors including Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica. Measuring nearly 145 meters long, it displaces around 6,700 tons at full load.
Equipped with a combined diesel-electric and gas turbine propulsion setup, the frigate achieves a top speed of over 27 knots. It has an endurance of up to 6,000 nautical miles at a sustained speed of 15 knots.
Among its weapon systems are the Kronos AESA radar, Aster surface-to-air missiles, a 127mm main gun, torpedo launchers, and aviation facilities for one NH90 helicopter, positioning the vessel as a key asset in Italy’s modern naval fleet.
