First Italian PPA vessel launched from shipyard
The Italian navy’s first Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura (PPA)-class multipurpose offshore patrol ship - the Paolo Thaon di Revel - has been launched from Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano.
This was attended by Italian defence minister Elisabetta Trenta, as well as chief of staff of the Italian navy, Adm Valter Girardelli, Fincantieri’s chairman Giampiero Massolm, and CEO Giuseppe Bono.
The PPA is the first of seven units on order, and will be delivered in 2021.
It is part of a renewal plan for Italian naval vessels, approved by the government and parliament under its naval act introduced in May 2015.
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel can serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to civil protection operations, while in its most highly-equipped version, can serve as a front-line fighting vessel.
The configuration of the combat system will vary, starting from a ‘soft’ version for patrol tasks equipped for self-defence, ranging up to a ‘full’ one equipped for a complete defensive ability.
The PPAs are being built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with subsequent deliveries following the first one in 2021 scheduled for 2022, 2023, 2024 (two units), 2025 and 2026.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
