ROME – Fincantieri has signed to sell six FREMM frigates to Indonesia, an agreement which, according to CEO Giuseppe Bono, has enabled the Italian shipyard to “assume world leadership” in the surface vessel sector.

The contract brings Fincantieri’s confirmed sales of the frigate to 20, including ten to the Italian Navy, two to Egypt and two to the United States, while the United States also has options for eight more and Egypt. for two others.

In a statement released Thursday, Fincantieri said that in addition to FREMM sales, the contract also covers the refurbishment and sale to Indonesia of two Maestrale-class frigates which are to be withdrawn from service by the Italian Navy.

Italian Leonardo will work on the Indonesian FREMMs, the statement said, which likely means the company will supply the combat system.

No value for the contract has been given by Fincantieri, who will act as prime contractor and team up with Indonesian shipyard PT-PAL on the program.

“Acquiring an order of this magnitude allows Fincantieri to assume global leadership in the surface vessel industry as well,” CEO Bono said in the statement.

Last month, the United States announced a $ 553.9 million contract to acquire its second FREMM vessel – part of an expected order of ten – after the vessel was selected by the Americans l ‘last year.

The American frigates, named Constellation, are built by Fincantieri at Marinette Marine, its controlled shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin.

The delivery of the first American ship is scheduled for 2026.

Indonesia’s decision to acquire the vessel was likely influenced by the purchase from the United States.

In a second announcement on Thursday, Fincantieri also announced that it has signed with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) to work on the design of a new aircraft carrier to be offered to the South Korean Navy.

Fincantieri said he expects to see a design tender issued in the second half of 2021 and will offer DSME know-how based on the design work he has undertaken on the new Landing Helicopter Dock Trieste. which the company will deliver to the Italian Navy next year.