Naviris & eurosam have achieved a significant milestone for the Horizon Mid-Life Upgrade Programme, a pivotal initiative for the Italian and the French Navies, with the completion of the first “Critical Design Review” (CDR). This milestone officially marks the transition from the design phase to the production phase of the Programme.
Originally delivered between 2009 and 2011, the Horizon-class ships –”Andrea Doria”, “Caio Duilio”, “Forbin”, and “Chevalier Paul”– are set to undergo their midlife upgrade between 2026 and 2030. This upgrade aims to ensure that these vessels will remain equipped with state-of-the-art technology and enhanced capabilities, extending their operational lifespan while preserving and expanding their superior performance.
Awarded in July 2023 by OCCAr, acting on behalf of the French and Italian nations, the Horizon Mid-Life Upgrade (HRZ MLU) contract is led by Naviris and eurosam and supported by Fincantieri, Naval Group, and preeminent key partners such as Leonardo, Thales, SiGen, and MBDA.
The HRZ MLU Programme addresses key national requirements focusing on the development, production and integration onboard of the Aster missile based PAAMS Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) system and Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) domains’ systems providing enhanced, new capabilities and performances against the most modern threats, while resolving obsolescence and updating systems to ensure continued reliability and effectiveness.
Following the completion of the System Design Review (SDR) in 2024, and the CDR in April 2025, the integration of new systems is scheduled as follows:
- Italian Navy: Integration on the First of Class ship will begin mid-2026, followed by Follow-on Ship at the end of 2027;
- French Navy: Integration on the First of Class will begin mid-2028, followed by Follow-on Ship at the end of 2029.
All upgrade activities are programmed to be concluded by 2030, hardening the Horizon-class vessels’ position as cutting-edge assets for national defence.
