Paris — Naval systems company DCNS and Fincantieri of Italy have agreed on a "road map" to discuss potential cooperation on further work on the multimission frigate, developing technology and equipment while seeking common benefits, a defense source said.
Website La Tribune reported the French and Italian companies are in talks to set up a 50:50 venture to work on surface warships. DCNS declined comment.
France and Italy worked together to design and build the multimission frigate, Horizon air defense frigate and MU90 light torpedo. A French-Italian summit in February called for further defense cooperation.
DCNS chairman Hervé Guillou told journalists July 23 part of the mission set out on his appointment a year earlier was to pursue European industrial consolidation but there was no set timetable.
"It is normal that we have discussions with all the European partners whoever they may be, from the North to the South, even if there is no timetable, nor specific commitment," he said.
DCNS and Fincantieri signed in the summer heads of agreement to pursue cooperation, the source said. Such talks are seen as fairly common as there is bilateral cooperation in a number of programs in Europe.
DCNS partnered with Navantia to build the Scorpene attack submarine, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems on the F21 heavy torpedo, and is in talks in the UK on a sonar system.
Italian industry is eager to see the program launch of the PPA multifunction ship, but that vessel is seen from France as different from the planned intermediate frigate, a warship for the French Navy.
