< IMG SRC = "/Uploads/Blogs/19/9E/IB-1IMSVFCUR_C9316240.jpg" Alt = "revealed the technical characteristics of the Italian Battle Estimates of the Horizon class"/> ~ ~ ~ ~ < p > Franco-Italian destinations of the Horizon class will receive new opportunities to intercept hypersonic and ballistic missiles within a large-scale modernization program. The program provides a deep updating of air defense and electronic fighting systems in order to provide ships with the ability to withstand the latest threats & mdash; from hypersonic weapons to drones and winged missiles.
< p > Horizon, started in the 1990s, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, aimed at creating a new generation of air defense ships. However, the British left the project in favor of their own destroyer Type 45. France and Italy continued their cooperation and by 2009 they introduced four ships & mdash; The main weapon of these destroyers was the PAAMS system with Aster rockets and the multifunctional EMPAR radar.
< p >Horizon & mdash; It is a multifunctional warship designed jointly by France and Italy to ensure air defense. It has watertone about 7 & thinsp; 000 tons, a length of 152 meters and equipped with modern weapons systems, in particular anti-aircraft missiles Aster 15 and Aster 30, 76mm Super Rapido guns and anti-ship missiles ExOCET.
The ship uses the PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) combat information system and Empar radar that provides for high distances. Two Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbine engines provide a maximum speed up to 29 knots. Horizon is designed to protect aircraft carriers and important maritime escorts, with extended power -electronic fighting and air operations.< P > Today Horizon expects medium -term upgrades worth 1.5 billion euros. The contract is performed by the Naviris and Eurosam consortium with the participation of Fincantieri, Naval Group, MBDA and Thales. Works involve updating battle management systems, new electronic struggle complexes and weapons to counteract the most difficult threats to future conflicts.
< p > according to plan, the first modernized Italian destroyer will be ready in 2027, the second & mdash; In 2029. French ships will receive updates by 2030. Modernization will affect the ships of Andrea Doria, Caio Duilio, Forbin and Chevalier Paul. Among other things, there is an improvement in the anti-aircraft missile system and vertical starting installations for the latest versions of Aster missiles.