Construction of Italy's PPA begins
Construction of the Italian Navy's first multipurpose offshore patrol ship (PPA) has commenced at Fincantieri's shipyard in Muggiano, the company announced on 13 February.
This first of seven PPAs will be delivered in 2021. The vessels are being built as part of a wider programme to renew the Italian Navy's fleet that will also include the building of one multipurpose amphibious landing helicopter dock and one logistic support vessel.
The 132.5m PPA is a highly flexible ship with the capacity to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue to civil protection and front line operations.
There will be different configurations of the vessel's combat system: a 'soft' self-defence version for patrol tasks, and a 'full' version equipped for complete defence. The vessel is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as rigid hull inflatable boats up to 11 metres long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp.
The PPAs will be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano. Following the first delivery in 2021 deliveries will take place in 2022, 2023, 2024 (two units), 2025 and 2026.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
