The DDX-class is an Italian class of guided-missiles destroyers, designed to replace the .
The class is being built under the supervision of OCCAR, on behalf of Italy. A contract was signed the 24 September 2026 with , a joint-venture of Fincantieri and Leonardo.
Development The 2020 of the Italian Ministry of Defence identified the need for a new class of destroyers to replace the . A de-risking study was launched in 2020 for the DDX programme.
The construction was planned to start in 2023, after the final definition of the requirements would be set in 2022. The complexity of the programme and the geopolitical situation brought delays to the programme, and modifications were made to include a more powerful radar suite, and a larger number of VLS (48-cell planned in 2020, 80-cell in 2026).
The contract was signed in September 2026 instead of 2023, and the delivery expected in 2028 has been shifted to 2033.
Ships No. Name Builder Status Contract Steel cutting Laid down Launched Comm. Notes - 2 planned Fincantieri, Italy Under contract, in development - - - - - -
References
External links Italian Navy ships (marina.difesa.it) Italian Navy submarines (marina.difesa.it) Italian Navy aircraft (marina.difesa.it) Italian Navy new projects (marina.difesa.it)