Horizon-class

The Horizon class is a series of air-defense destroyers developed through a collaboration between France and Italy. The program originated in 1992 as the Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF), a tripartite project including the United Kingdom. This collaboration followed the cancellation of the NATO Frigate Replacement for the 90s (NFR-90). The United Kingdom withdrew from the project in 1999 to pursue a national design, citing differences in vessel requirements and industrial management. France and Italy continued the project under the Horizon name, signing a joint production contract in 2000.

The class is designed for fleet air defense using the Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS). This system integrates the Sylver Vertical Launching System with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles. Sensor suites include the EMPAR phased array multi-purpose radar and the S1850M long-range radar. Subsurface detection is provided by the UMS 4110 CL sonar. The vessels utilize a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion arrangement. Defensive equipment includes the SLAT anti-torpedo system and decoy launchers. Italian units are equipped with the Davide/Strales guidance system for their gun armament, while French vessels utilize remotely-operated guns and are scheduled to receive Mistral Simbad-RC systems. Each ship features a flight deck and hangar to accommodate a single helicopter, such as the AW101 or NH90.

Four vessels were constructed between 2002 and 2009. The French Navy operates Forbin and Chevalier Paul, which replaced the Suffren class. The Italian Navy operates Andrea Doria and Caio Duilio, which replaced the Audace class. Although the French Navy designates these ships as frigates, they carry NATO "D" pennant numbers in accordance with destroyer classifications. The Italian Navy classifies the vessels as destroyers. Andrea Doria achieved full operational capability in 2008. The original plan to build eight ships was reduced to four, with the remaining four units canceled in favor of the FREMM multipurpose frigate program.