According to information published by the French Ministry of Defense on June 22, General Portolano, representing the SGD/DNA, and General Carlier, representing the French DGA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the modernization mid-life of the Horizon-class ships.
The Horizon class, known as “Classe Horizon” in French and “Classe Orizzonte” in Italian, is a series of air defense destroyers employed by the French and Italian navies. The Italians define them as destroyers according to the NATO classification, while the French identify them as “frigates”.
The Horizon class originates from the Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF) program, a joint initiative of France, the United Kingdom and Italy aimed at developing a new generation of air defense warships.
However, differing national needs, disagreements over task sharing and delays led the UK to withdraw from the project in 1999 and continue the development of the Type 45 destroyer instead.
Interestingly, the FREMM multi-purpose frigate was created using the same collaborative structure as the Horizon project.
About the frigates
Displacing 7,050 tons fully loaded and measuring 152.87 meters in length, the Horizon-class frigates are designed for various naval missions. The vessel is powered by a combination of gas turbines and diesel engines, reaches speeds of over 29 knots and offers a range of up to 6,100 nautical miles at 18 knots.
The frigate’s armament includes the PAAMS air defense system with a 48-cell A50 Sylver vertical launch system for up to 48 Aster 15 or Aster 30 missiles, anti-ship missiles such as Exocet MM40 Block 3 or TESEO Mk-2/A, and various gun systems for close range combat. She is also equipped with anti-submarine warfare capabilities, including two WASS B515/1 single torpedo tubes for MU90 Impact torpedoes.
The frigate houses advanced sensor and processing systems, such as the Selex ES EMPAR G-band phased array multipurpose radar, the BAE/Thales Group S1850M long-range radar, and the Thales Group UMS 4110 CL sonar.
The Horizon class can accommodate a crew of up to 236 and carries one AW-101 or SH90A helicopter, with a spacious flight deck and hangar facilities. It’s flexibility, and wide range of capabilities make it a valuable asset in modern naval warfare.
Navy Recognition
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