Portugal will acquire three next-generation FREMM EVO frigates from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in a €3.9 billion defence investment announced in Rome on Sunday.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, accompanied by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and Defence Minister Nuno Melo, revealed the agreement following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The deal, signed under the European SAFE security instrument, calls for delivery of the multifunctional vessels to the Portuguese Navy in 2029 and 2030, replacing ships in the current five-frigate fleet. Meloni expressed satisfaction with the decision, announced during the first visit by a Portuguese head of government to Italy in 12 years.
The selection of Fincantieri over competing bids, including France's Naval Group, was first reported by CNN Portugal in December.