At Euronaval 2026, Naval News spoke with Fincantieri’s Eugenio Santagata about the new Multi-Mission Modular Vessel (MMMV), FREMM Evo production, and the DDX destroyer
Naval News continues its coverage of Euronaval 2026 in Paris with a video interview featuring Eugenio Santagata, General Manager of Naval Vessels at Fincantieri. The discussion highlights the Italian shipbuilder’s rapidly expanding portfolio of surface combatants and its ongoing industrial capability investments.
The Multi-Mission Modular Vessel (MMMV)
One of the key highlights from Fincantieri this year is the introduction of the new Multi-Mission Modular Vessel (MMMV). Designed for agility and flexibility, this platform operates with a minimal crew of six and is explicitly engineered to become fully unmanned in the near future. Santagata explained that the MMMV can accommodate six main payloads, allowing it to perform diverse operations ranging from exclusive economic zone (EEZ) protection and coastal surveillance to seabed scanning, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and disaster recovery
FREMM Evo and Production Boost
Addressing Fincantieri’s flagship frigate program, Santagata detailed the company’s “manufacturing boost” initiative. To support the full-rate production of the FREMM Evo for both the Italian and Portuguese navies, Fincantieri has heavily invested in its integrated shipyards at Riva Trigoso and Muggiano. These infrastructure upgrades include new launching lines, advanced robotics, and AI-applied operations to ensure these complex anti-submarine and anti-ballistic capable vessels are delivered on time and on budget.
Next-Generation DDX Destroyer
The conversation also covers the DDX, an advanced large surface combatant set to replace the Italian Navy’s Horizon-class destroyers. Santagata described the DDX as an unprecedented leap for European naval capabilities, operating in a completely different league to prepare the Italian Navy for future operational scenarios with highly advanced detection and combat systems.
0:00 – Introduction: Eugenio Santagata, General Manager of Naval Vessels
0:49 – Unveiling the new Multi-Mission Modular Vessel (MMMV)
4:05 – Ramping up production for the FREMM Evo Frigate
6:27 – Developing the next-generation DDX Destroyer
