Fincantieri launches fourth PPA vessel
The Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels will be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries expected until 2026. (Photo: Fincantieri)
Fincantieri has announced the launch of the fourth Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura(PPA)-class multipurpose offshore patrol vessel, ‘Giovanni delle Bande Nere’, intended to be delivered to the Italian Navy in 2024.
This vessel is the first ‘complete’ version of its type, it is equipped with the maximum defensive capability and is the first in the series to mount new generators manufactured by Isotta Fraschini Motori.
The unit is part of the plan to renew operational lines of the Navy’s vessels, as laid out by the 2015 Organisation for joint cooperation in the field of armaments.
The vessel represents a highly flexibly type of ship, with the ability to perform a range of tasks from patrolling with rescue capabilities at sea to civil protection operations and even combat.
Different combat system configurations are expected for the seven vessels in the programme.
One side of the configuration aims at producing a light vessel, relating to the patrolling task, integrated with self-defence capabilities, the other side aims at producing a combat-focused vessel.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
PPAs Procurement (1-2) [Indonesia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
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.
-
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
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
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.
-
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.