ENS Bernees (FFG-1003) constructed by Italian company Fincantieri arrived at the Alexandria Naval Base to join the Egyptian Navy’s fleet. ENS Bernees (FFG-1003) is a FREMM multipurpose frigate of the Egyptian Navy. Bernees was originally constructed as the Carlo Bergamini-class Emilio Bianchi before being acquired by Egypt and being renamed. Egypt has ordered 2 Italian FREMM frigates in 2020 and 1 French FREMM frigate in 2015. The initial Italian sale might be followed by the subsequent acquisition of two additional FREMM frigates by Egypt.
The FREMM (“European multi-purpose frigate”; French: Frégate européenne multi-mission; Italian: Fregata europea multi-missione) is a class of multi-purpose frigates designed by Fincantieri and Naval Group for the navies of Italy (10 frigates) and France (8 frigates). The lead ship of the class, Aquitaine, was commissioned in November 2012 by the French Navy. In France the class is known as the Aquitaine class, while in Italy they are known as the Bergamini class. Italy has ordered six general purpose variants and four anti-submarine variants.
ENS Bernees like the other units, features a high degree of flexibility, capable of operating in all tactical situations. 144 meters long with a beam of 19.7 meters, the ship has a displacement at a full load of approximately 6,700 tones. The vessel has a maximum speed of over 27 knots and has a maximum accommodation capacity for a 200-person crew. ENS Bernees operate with a reduced crew thanks to Human Factors optimizations and a high level of automation with 2 helicopters, a federated Combat Management System, and a higher level of maintainers.
