# OCCAR Awards Italy DDX Destroyer Contract

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) awarded a €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) contract on September 24, 2026, to the Orizzonte Sistemi Navali joint venture—comprising state-owned firms Fincantieri and Leonardo—for the construction of two advanced DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy. Scheduled for delivery in 2033 and 2035, these destroyers will incorporate cutting-edge digital combat systems and represent a significant enhancement in Italy's naval air and missile defense capabilities as part of its ongoing fleet modernization.

- **Key agencies involved:** OCCAR as the contracting authority, Italian Navy as the end user, and Italian Ministry of Defense overseeing the program
- **Prime contractors:** Orizzonte Sistemi Navali joint venture (Fincantieri and Leonardo) responsible for design and construction
- **Contract value:** €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) reflecting a major investment in naval shipbuilding and defense technology
- **Why this matters:** This contract signals substantial opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers in naval combat systems and shipbuilding sectors, with a long-term delivery timeline through 2035
- Procurement professionals should note the strategic importance of OCCAR-managed multinational contracts and the role of state-owned enterprises in European defense procurement
- Companies specializing in advanced digital combat systems and missile defense technologies may find emerging business prospects linked to this program

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- Italian Navy
- Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR)
- Italian Ministry of Defense

### Vendors
- Fincantieri (prime contractor)
- Leonardo (prime contractor)
- Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (prime contractor)
- ELT Group (subcontractor)

### Sources
- [Italy taps state-owned firms to build two naval destroyers in $4.2 billion deal](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/09/24/italy-taps-state-owned-firms-to-build-two-naval-destroyers-in-42-billion-deal) - Defense News
- [OCCAR awards $4.2B DDX destroyer contract to Fincantieri, Leonardo joint venture  - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/occar-awards-4-2b-ddx-destroyer-contract-to-fincantieri-leonardo-joint-venture) - Breaking Defense