OCCAR has signed a contract with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali S.p.A. for the first DDX next-generation destroyer for the Italian Navy.
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OCCAR Press Release, La Spezia, 24 September 2026: OCCAR, acting on behalf of Italy, has signed a contract with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali S.p.A. for the development, production and Initial In-Service Support (ISS) of the first DDX next-generation destroyer for the Italian Navy, with an option for the procurement of a second vessel. The contract signature marks a major milestone in Italy’s naval modernisation efforts and officially launches one of Europe’s most ambitious and technologically advanced surface combatant programmes.
Managed by OCCAR-EA, the DDX Programme will provide the Italian Navy with a new generation of multi-mission destroyers designed to operate effectively in increasingly complex and contested maritime environments. The future vessels will replace the Durand de la Penne-class destroyers, significantly enhancing Italy’s capabilities in fleet air and missile defence, long-range strike operations, command and control, and anti-submarine warfare.
The programme represents a strategic investment in military capability, technological innovation and operational readiness. Designed to support national, joint and NATO operations, the DDX destroyers will deliver a highly capable and future-ready platform while ensuring full interoperability with allied naval forces. At the core of the programme is a next-generation combat system that will integrate sensors, weapons and support systems within a single operational architecture. The ships will be equipped with an advanced Combat Management System, a state-of-the-art dual-band multifunction radar, sophisticated missile systems capable of countering a broad spectrum of aerial threats, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. The platform has also been designed with sufficient growth margins to accommodate future technologies, including Directed Energy Weapons, ensuring adaptability throughout its operational life.
Combining high survivability standards with advanced propulsion and power-generation architectures, the DDX destroyers will be capable of sustained operations in demanding maritime environments while supporting future generations of sensors and weapons. The ships will furthermore be designed to operate seamlessly alongside both manned and unmanned systems across multiple domains, reflecting the evolving requirements of modern naval warfare.
OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker welcomed the contract signature, stating: “Today’s signature is an important milestone for the Italian Navy, OCCAR and industry. The DDX Programme will deliver a highly advanced and future-ready capability that will strengthen Italy’s maritime security and contribute to collective defence. It also highlights the trust placed in OCCAR’s programme management expertise and the value of close cooperation between the customer, industry and all stakeholders involved.”
He added: “Through this programme, the Italian Navy will benefit from a platform that combines technological excellence, operational flexibility and innovation. OCCAR remains fully committed to supporting the successful delivery of this strategic capability.”
The contract reflects the strong partnership between the Italian Navy, OCCAR and Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. Through close cooperation and effective programme management, all partners will work together to deliver a platform capable of meeting operational requirements for decades to come. The DDX Programme further reinforces OCCAR’s role as a leading European defence programme management organisation, responsible for delivering complex and technologically advanced capabilities on behalf of its Member States.
About the DDX Programme: The DDX (Destroyer eXperimental / Next Generation Destroyer) Programme covers the development, production and Initial In-Service Support of a next-generation destroyer for the Italian Navy, with an option for a second vessel. Managed by OCCAR-EA, the programme will provide a multi-mission platform capable of fleet air and missile defence, long-range strike operations, command and control, anti-submarine warfare, and integrated operations with allied and unmanned systems.
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