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
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
