Italy orders fourth next-generation patrol vessel
The ship has a length of about 95m and a displacement of 2,300t. (Image: OSN)
In August 2023, the Italian Secretariat General of Defence and National Armaments Directorate awarded a US$1 billion contract to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) for the construction of three next-generation patrol vessels and has now signed for a fourth.
Italy has ordered a fourth ship under its Future OPV programme (Pattugliatori Polivalenti – PPX), one of an option for three which was included in the original contract for three ships placed last year. Deliveries of the first ships have been slated to start in 2026.
The deal is with OSN, a joint venture owned by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), and has a value respectively of around €163 million (US$178 million) and €70 million to the companies respectively.
The PPX ships will be used to replace older patrol ships in the navy and take on surveillance, control of merchant traffic, protect lines of communication and monitor Italy’s EEZ.
Under current plans Italy needs a total of eight new offshore units (PPX/EPC) to replace its ageing Comandanti/Sirio-class, which is expected to be retired from service in the mid-2020s. Although there are only four Comandanti-class corvettes, the Italian Navy will also need replacements for their Cassiopea and Minerva-class vessels.
Work is taking place at Fincantieri's Riva Trigoso and Muggiano Integrated Shipyard. The ships will include a new generation C2 system for the bridge, developed for the Italian Navy's Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels (PPAs).
The new system includes an integrated workstation, co-produced by Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech, that allows the conduct of the ship and airborne operations by just the pilot and co-pilot.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
