Naviris & eurosam have achieved a significant milestone for
the Horizon Mid-Life Upgrade Programme, a pivotal initiative
for the Italian and the French Navies, with the completion of
the first “Critical Design Review” (CDR). This milestone
officially marks the transition from the design phase to the
production phase of the Program.
Originally delivered between 2009 and 2011, the Horizonclass ships –” Andrea Doria”, “Caio Duilio”, “Forbin”, and
“Chevalier Paul”– are set to undergo their midlife upgrade
between 2026 and 2030. This upgrade aims to ensure that
these vessels will remain equipped with state-of-the-art
technology and enhanced capabilities, extending their
operational lifespan while preserving and expanding their
superior performance.
Awarded in July 2023 by OCCAr¹, acting on behalf of the
French and Italian nations, the Horizon Mid-Life Upgrade
(HRZ MLU) contract is led by Naviris and eurosam and
supported by Fincantieri, Naval Group, and preeminent key
partners such as Leonardo, Thales, SiGen, and MBDA.
The HRZ MLU Program addresses key national requirements
focusing on the development, production and integration
onboard of the Aster missile based PAAMS Anti-Air Warfare
(AAW) system and Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS)
domains’ systems providing enhanced, new capabilities and
performances against the most modern threats, while
resolving obsolescence and updating systems to ensure
continued reliability and effectiveness.
Following the completion of the System Design Review
(SDR) in 2024, and the CDR in April 2025, the integration of
new systems is scheduled as follows:

• Italian Navy: Integration on the First of Class ship
will begin mid-2026, followed by Follow-on Ship at
the end of 2027;

• French Navy: Integration on the First of Class will
begin mid-2028, followed by Follow-on Ship at the
end of 2029.

All upgrade activities are programmed to be concluded by
2030, hardening the Horizon-class vessels’ position as
cutting-edge assets for national defence.

© Eurosam