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Italy has signed a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) contract for two next-generation DDX destroyers, launching one of the country’s most advanced naval modernization programs. The ships are designed to combine high levels of digitalization, automation, advanced sensors and weapons, and integrated command-and-control systems.

The contract, signed through the Organization Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR), covers the development, production, logistical studies and Initial In-Service Support (ISS) for the two vessels. Around $1.48 billion of the total value is included as options.

The agreement was signed with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture between Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, which holds 51 percent, and defense company Leonardo, which holds 49 percent.

The DDX program represents another major step in Italy’s long-term effort to modernize its Navy. The Italian fleet has already been undergoing renewal through new frigates, multi-mission vessels, amphibious capabilities, submarines, and support ships.

The DDX will add a larger and more heavily equipped surface combatant to this modernization effort. The first ship is expected to enter service in 2033, followed by the second in 2035 if the option is exercised.

We are proud to announce that ORIZZONTE SISTEMI NAVALI S.p.A. (OSN), our joint venture with Leonardo, has signed a contract with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) with a total value of approximately €3.7 billion, of which approximately €1.3 billion is in… pic.twitter.com/iftfzsvh2L

— Fincantieri (@Fincantieri) September 24, 2026

DDX Destroyer

The DDX will be 180 meters long and have a displacement of about 13,500 tons. The vessels will have a range of 4,000 nautical miles and operate with a crew of 251. The first destroyer has been ordered and is scheduled for delivery in 2033. The second ship is currently included as an option and is scheduled for delivery in 2035 if exercised.

The new ships are intended to replace Italy’s aging Durand de la Penne-class destroyers, which entered service in 1992, as part of a broader effort to renew the Italian Navy’s major surface fleet.

The DDX program follows Italy’s procurement of FREMM-class frigates, PPA multi-mission ships, a new landing helicopter dock, submarines and logistics vessels.

Fincantieri and Leonardo Share Development

Fincantieri will design and develop the DDX platform and serve as the system integrator. The company expects to receive approximately $2 billion from the program, including around $911 million in options.

Leonardo will be responsible for designing and developing the combat system and is expected to receive approximately $1.94 billion, including around $546 million in options. The combat system will also include a next-generation electronic warfare suite developed by Elt Group.

The companies describe the DDX as a new-generation platform designed to operate in increasingly complex environments where naval forces need to connect sensors, weapons, command systems and other platforms across multiple operational domains.

Digital Naval Platform

A central feature of the DDX program is its high level of digitalization. The ships will draw on Fincantieri’s Navis Sapens concept, which is designed to improve connectivity between the ship and shore-based systems while increasing digital connectivity across the vessel.

The DDX will integrate sensors, weapon systems, multi-domain command-and-control systems and platform management systems into a highly connected architecture.

The combat system is also being designed to support interoperability and information sharing within multinational naval forces.

The ships will include a DC power sub-network with an associated energy storage system, an advanced stabilization system integrated with the steering system, and new methods for calculating thermal and electrical balances. Further digital developments will also be incorporated into the Ship Management System.

Digital “Brain” for the Ship

The DDX is being designed as what its developers describe as a digital ship, with an electronic architecture capable of collecting and correlating data from systems across the vessel.

The aim is to turn this data into useful information for operational decision-making, technical management, and support throughout the ship’s service life.

This approach is intended to allow the crew and command systems to have a more integrated view of the ship’s condition and its operating environment while reducing the need to manage individual systems separately.

The concept also reflects the growing importance of automation and data integration in modern naval operations.

Advanced Radar and Air Defense

The DDX combat system will be built around a new-generation, high-power, fully digital S-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

Leonardo’s SADOC 5 command-and-control system will form part of the combat system, alongside MBDA weapon systems.

The destroyers are also planned to have Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capabilities against a range of threats, including conventional missiles, ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons.

The combination of the radar, command-and-control system, weapons and electronic warfare capabilities is intended to provide the DDX with an integrated approach to detecting, tracking and responding to threats.