Horizon-class frigate

Horizon-class frigate. The Horizon-class frigates are a class of destroyer-sized warships used by the French Navy and the Italian Navy. These ships were developed as part of the Horizon naval programme, a collaborative effort between France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, with the participation of companies like DCNS (now Naval Group), Thales Group, and Finmeccanica (now Leonardo S.p.A.). The design of the Horizon-class frigates was influenced by the La Fayette-class frigate and the FREMM multipurpose frigate.

● Development and design

The development of the Horizon-class frigates began in the late 1990s, with the signing of the Horizon treaty between France and Italy in 1995, and the subsequent joining of the United Kingdom in 1997. The programme was managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), with the participation of companies like Eurosam, MBDA, and Sagem Defense Securite. The design of the ships was influenced by the Aegis Combat System used by the United States Navy, and the PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) developed by Eurosam. The Horizon-class frigates were designed to be highly versatile, with the capability to perform a wide range of tasks, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare, similar to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the Type 45 destroyer.

● Operational history

The Horizon-class frigates have been deployed in various operations, including the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Libyan Civil War (2011), where they worked alongside ships like the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and the HMS Illustrious (R06). They have also participated in NATO operations, such as the Active Endeavour and the Ocean Shield, and have worked with other navies, including the United States Navy, the Royal Navy, and the German Navy. The Horizon-class frigates have been used in a variety of roles, including as flagships, escort ships, and patrol ships, similar to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate and the Knox-class frigate.

● Ships

in class The Horizon-class frigates include the Forbin (D620) and the Chevalier Paul (D621), which are operated by the French Navy, and the Andrea Doria (D553) and the Caio Duilio (D554), which are operated by the Italian Navy. These ships were built by companies like DCNS (now Naval Group), Thales Group, and Finmeccanica (now Leonardo S.p.A.), and were commissioned between 2007 and 2011. The Horizon-class frigates are similar in design to other European warships, such as the FREMM multipurpose frigate and the Type 45 destroyer, and have worked alongside ships like the HMS Dauntless (D33) and the FS Forbin (D620).

● Characteristics

The Horizon-class frigates have a displacement of around 7,000 tonnes, and are equipped with a range of sensors and weapons, including the PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System), the Exocet MM40 anti-ship missile, and the MU90 Impact torpedo. They have a top speed of over 29 knots, and a range of over 7,000 nautical miles, similar to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser. The Horizon-class frigates are also equipped with a helicopter deck and a hangar, and can carry a range of helicopters, including the NHIndustries NH90 and the Westland Lynx.

● Operators

The Horizon-class frigates are operated by the French Navy and the Italian Navy, with the Forbin (D620) and the Chevalier Paul (D621), and the Andrea Doria (D553) and the Caio Duilio (D554), respectively. These navies have worked together on various operations, including the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Libyan Civil War (2011), and have participated in NATO operations, such as the Active Endeavour and the Ocean Shield, alongside ships like the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and the HMS Illustrious (R06).

● Upgrades and modernization

The Horizon-class frigates have undergone various upgrades and modernization programmes, including the installation of new radar and electronic warfare systems, and the integration of new missile systems, such as the Aster 30 and the Exocet MM40. These upgrades have been carried out by companies like DCNS (now Naval Group), Thales Group, and Finmeccanica (now Leonardo S.p.A.), and have been designed to improve the ships' air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, similar to the upgrades carried out on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser. The Horizon-class frigates have also been equipped with new communication systems, including the SIC21 combat management system, and have been integrated with other NATO warships, such as the HMS Dauntless (D33) and the FS Forbin (D620). Category:Warships