Article Posted on : - Apr 19, 2012

Naval vessel FREMM. A Fincantieri photo.

TRIESTE (BNS): The second FREMM European multi-mission frigate, Virginia Fasan, ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy has been launched.

The 139m-long Virginio Fasan, has a full load displacement capacity of 5,900t, a beam of 19.7m, a maximum speed of 27k and can accommodate a crew of 145.

The vessel which will feature a high degree of flexibility, capable of operating in all tactical situations, is due for delivery in mid 2013.

The ships in the FREMM programme constitute state of the art vessels of European and Italian defence in the Mediterranean and will replace the 'Lupo' and 'Maestrale' class frigates built by Fincantieri in the 1970s.

The Italian Navy's first FREMM frigate, Carlo Bergamini Launched in 2011 is undergoing sea trials and is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2012.

The FREMM programme is a joint Italian-French defence industrial co-operation project for a new generation of frigates. The frigates for the Italian Navy will be built by Fincantieri's yards at Riva Trigoso and Muggiano.