Out with the old [LCS] and in with the new [FREMM].
It is a done deal evidently. Expedited without delay there having been a sense of urgency.
From the Internet web site The Drive and the article by Joseph Trevithick.
"Navy Picks Italian Design For Its New FFG-X Guided Missile Frigate"
"The frigate, which will be built at the Italian firm's Wisconsin-based subsidiary, is based on ships already in service with four allied navies."
American Littoral Combat Ship [LCS] found to be deficient. A number already in the inventory but performance lacking and disappointing. A replacment needed and fast. FREMM chosen.
FREMM a proven winner. Multi-purpose warship more than adequate for the task as envisioned.
See at the wiki entry for FREMM armaments of an amazing variety on one ship. Each nation according to the needs specifying war-making bang stuff to include the rapid-fire OTO MELARA gun.
See previous blog entries as applicable to the LCS replacement:
https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/03/must.html
https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/02/gone.html
Consider also the comments of the Soviet era defector Suvorov technological developments of the Italian in the realm of naval warfare prior to the Second World War quite advanced:
"before the Second World War Italy's technology was at an incredibly high level . . . achievements, especially in the sphere of aviation, submarines and high-speed launches, were really amazing . . . the Italians were the unrecognized geniuses of military and naval technology." - - Suvorov.
THE ITALIAN TRADITION CONTINUES? GOOD TO GO NOW RATHER THAN BETTER THAN TOMORROW?
coolbert.