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The Italian Navy has become the first in Europe to integrate an anti-drone system with artificial intelligence into the combat system of an operational frigate — the two new FREMM EVO will have dual-band AESA radar in 360 degrees, cyber defense, and silent propulsion to hunt submarines
In July 2024, Italy signed the contract to modernize two FREMM-class frigates to the FREMM EVO standard.
In May 2025, the critical design review was completed, releasing production.
Deliveries are expected in 2029 and 2030.
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According to EDR Magazine, the FREMM EVO represent a profound evolution over the original frigates, focusing on three modern threats: drones, cyber warfare, and cruise missiles.
“This makes the Marina Militare the first among European navies to embark such an integrated solution to neutralize a wide range of threats, including smaller drones”, stated Domitilla Benigni, CEO of ELT Group.
Radar that sees everything: four fixed faces covering the entire horizon
The heart of the FREMM EVO is the Kronos Dual-Band AESA radar from Leonardo.
It operates simultaneously in the C and X bands, with four fixed-panel antennas covering 360 degrees without needing to rotate.
Traditional radars rotate mechanically — the Kronos detects targets in all directions at the same time.
This is crucial against saturation attacks, when multiple drones or missiles come from various directions.
The system can track and classify dozens of targets simultaneously.
Artificial intelligence against drones: detection, classification, and neutralization
The anti-drone system from ELT Group uses artificial intelligence to detect and classify small drones in seconds.
The suite includes electro-optical sensors, 3D phased array radars, and electronic support measures.
To neutralize, the system can apply radio frequency jamming, GPS blocking, GNSS spoofing, and even electromagnetic cyber attacks.
All of this can operate autonomously or integrated into the ship’s combat system.
The system has already been tested on an operational FREMM frigate of the Italian Navy.
Silent propulsion to hunt submarines
The FREMM EVO maintains the hybrid propulsion CODLAG (Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas), optimized for anti-submarine operations.
In electric mode, the frigate moves practically in silence — essential for detecting enemy submarines without revealing its position.
The ship has variable depth sonar and support for detection helicopters.
Armament includes the Oto Melara 76/62 STRAL gun with guided DART ammunition for precise engagements.
Remote mounts of 30mm with air-burst ammunition complete the defense against drones and fast boats.
The companies behind it: Fincantieri, Leonardo, and ELT Group
Fincantieri — the largest military shipbuilder in Europe — builds the ships at the La Spezia shipyards.
Leonardo provides the Kronos radar, the SADOC 4 combat system, and infrared sensors.
ELT Group provides the anti-drone system with AI.
The contract was signed by OCCAR (Joint Organization for Armament Cooperation in Europe).
Mauro Manzini, vice president of sales at Fincantieri, highlighted the export potential of the FREMM EVO to countries like Qatar.
The anti-drone market is worth $16 billion by 2034
The context is clear: drones have changed modern warfare.
Recent conflicts have shown that cheap drones costing $500 can destroy equipment worth $5 million.
The global market for anti-drone systems is estimated at $3.88 billion by 2026.
The projection is $16.45 billion by 2034 — a growth of more than 4 times in 8 years.
By integrating anti-drone AI into warships before any European neighbor, Italy positions its naval industry to dominate this market.
What is still missing
For now, there are only 2 ships confirmed for the EVO standard.
The full integration of the systems will only be tested when the frigates are delivered in 2029-2030.
The cost of the contract has not been disclosed.
European naval programs are known for delays — nothing guarantees that the dates will be met.
But the technological milestone is real: Italy has demonstrated on an operational frigate that it can detect, classify, and neutralize drones with AI.
If it works as promised, the FREMM EVO will be the hardest ship to attack with drones in all of Europe.
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