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
-
![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.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
