Italy signs €925 million contract for new class of OPVs
The new PPX OPVs will have space to accommodate 97 personnel and will adopt new automation and manoeuvrability technologies. (Image: Fincantieri)
Up to six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) are set to boost Italian Navy capabilities with a new order placed on 31 July.
A contract worth €925 million ($1 billion) was signed between the Italian defence department and joint venture company Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) for an initial batch of three OPVs for the Italian Navy.
OSN is comprised of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and defence manufacturer Leonardo. OSN stated that Fincantieri will receive sub-contracts worth €540 million with Leonardo to be awarded €255 million.
A spokesperson from Fincantieri told Shephard that the option for a second batch of OPVs ‘should be ordered in the next two years’.
The OPVs are being built under the Italian Navy’s Future OPV programme (Pattugliatori Polivalenti) or PPX
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![FNSS looks to put uncrewed vehicles at the front of amphibious assaults]()
FNSS looks to put uncrewed vehicles at the front of amphibious assaults
The new platform is designed to put reconnaissance, obstacle clearance and fire support ahead of the crewed force in a contested landing.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
