Italy, France ink MoU for the MLU of horizon destroyers

Rome: The visit of the Secretary General of Defense and National Armaments Director, Army Corps General Luciano Portolano, to the 54th International Paris Air Show (SIAE2023) in Paris was an opportunity to meet the Delegate General Adjunct of the French defense procurement agency, DGA General Thierry Carlier, and jointly sign both the Capability Roadmap, concerning procurement and the identification of possible cooperation programs between the parties, and the Memorandum of Understanding relating to Mid-Life Upgrade of the Horizon class naval units, which provides for their modernization by the Joint Venture NAVIRIS.

The activities derive from the Quirinale Treaty, signed in Naples in February 2020 between the Italian Prime Minister and the French President, which identifies possible cooperation programs between the parties to intensify dialogue in the technical and operational sectors of defense and develop cooperation in the area of capacity building of common interest. Furthermore, it also foresees the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the respective defense and security industries, promoting structural alliances, and strengthening collaboration in the space sector, in order to improve the capabilities of operating jointly in space.

The bilateral meeting, held in an atmosphere of cordiality and great friendship, made it possible not only to consolidate the excellent relations inherent in bilateral cooperation with France in the specific procurement sector, but also to give greater impetus to the technological and industrial capabilities strategic for both countries through participation in international development programs.