Surface Forces Article Index : Current 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
 Latest
 News 		  Most
 Read 		  Most
 Commented		  Hot
 Topics

November 26, 2000

France and Italy have formally signed an agreement to build four Horizon anti-aircraft frigates. The two French ships will enter service in 2006 and 2008; the two Italian ships will enter service in 2007 and 2009. The two French ships will replace the frigates Suffren and Duquesne, which will retire as soon as their replacements are in service. France plans to buy two more Horizons in their next six-year defense plan. These will be delivered in 2010 and 2012. The Italians will be the primary contractors for the ship itself through their Orizzonte Consortium. The French will be the primary contractors for the combat systems through Thomson-DSF and the DCN shipyard.--Stephen V Cole