General-purpose FREMMs pair a five-inch forward gun with an aft 76 mm, supporting amphibious fire missions as well as defense. Anti-submarine variants instead carry two 76 mm mounts because convoy and task-force protection make rapid anti-air fire more important than heavier shore bombardment. Both French and Italian FREMMs retained the weapon after their joint Horizon-class experience, although the exact arrangement differs by navy and role. The close geography and congestion of the Mediterranean reinforce Italy's expectation that threats may appear quickly and in strength.
Chapter · 38:49-42:36
FREMM gun fits follow mission roles
Italian FREMM variants trade a five-inch gun or a second 76 mm according to whether fire support or convoy and task-force air defense dominates the mission.