• The signing: The Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) EA Director Joachim Sucker, EUROSAM CEO Anne Diaz de Tuesta, and NAVIRIS CEO Damien Raby signed Amendment No. 2 to the Horizon-class frigates' Mid-Life Upgrade contract in Bonn on 7 August, enabling the next modernisation phase.

  • What it unlocks: The amendment sets contractual, technical, and commercial groundwork to begin onboard work on the First Italian Ship, starting end of September, addressing obsolescence and adding upgraded anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, sensors, and command-and-control capabilities.

  • The fleet: The Horizon class comprises four air-defence frigates in service since 2008-2010 — France's Forbin and Chevalier Paul, Italy's Andrea Doria and Caio Duilio — with the MLU aimed at improving survivability against evolving threats.