Italian Navy orders two new PPA to replace those transferred to Indonesia

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has secured a new contract for the construction of two PPA-Multipurpose Combat Ships for the Italian Navy, reinforcing its role in the country’s naval fleet renewal programme.

The vessels will replace two ships originally intended for Indonesia, with the contract valued at approximately €700 million, including work already completed on the previous units.

 Latest “Naval Act” by OCCAR

The order falls under the latest “Naval Act” and is managed by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement), within the Temporary Business Grouping formed by Fincantieri as lead contractor and Leonardo as partner. Delivery of the ships, in the “Light Plus” configuration, is scheduled for 2029 and 2030 from Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano.

Strategic importance of the program

“This contract confirms the strategic importance of the program, highlighting our Group’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the operational needs of the Italian Navy,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.

Bolster the national supply chain

He added, “The new units bolster the national supply chain, ensuring production continuity and employment stability, while also strengthening Italy’s role as a central player in the global defence geopolitical landscape, where shipbuilding is increasingly a key element of influence and international cooperation.”

The PPA-Multipurpose Combat Ship is designed for a wide range of tasks, from patrol duties and sea rescue operations to civil protection and frontline combat. Its modular design allows for upgrades over time, ranging from a basic “light” version with self-defence capabilities to a fully equipped “full” combat configuration.

Each vessel is also capable of deploying high-speed boats such as 11-metre RHIBs, using either lateral cranes or a stern ramp. This flexibility underlines the ship’s value in various operational scenarios, both military and civilian.

The PPA-Multipurpose Combat Ship

The PPA-Multipurpose Combat Ship represents a highly flexible type of vessel with the ability to perform multiple tasks ranging from patrol with sea rescue capabilities, to Civil Protection operations, as well as a front-line fighting ship.

The Production Program is based on a “fitted for” approach that allows, starting from a common platform, the possibility of acquiring additional capabilities up to the “full” configuration.

In fact, different combat system configurations are planned: starting from a “light” one, related to the patrol task, integrated with self-defense capabilities, up to a “complete” one, equipped with maximum defense capacity.

Use fast boats such as RHIB

Furthermore, the unit is able to use fast boats such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to a length of over 11 meters via lateral cranes or a launching ramp located at the stern.

• 143 meters overall length
• Speed over 31 knots
• 171 crew members
• Equipped with a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system (CODAG) and an electric propulsion system
• Ability to supply drinking water and electricity to land

Related : Partnership between Fincantieri and Enra Energy Solutions

Source : Italy Media