The Italian Navy has ordered two new “Multipurpose Combat” offshore patrol vessels from Fincantieri in a €700 million deal via OCCAR to replace ships it has sold to the Indonesian Navy.
The two vessels, designated as PPA Multipurpose Combat Ships, are set to be delivered to the Marina Militare in 2029 and 2030, respectively. They are designed as modular “dual use” vessels, fit for both military tasks and peacetime roles supporting humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
Each ship’s combat system is available in different configurations: the two new ships will be supplied in the “light” version with artillery capabilities for patrol tasks.
The wider PPA programme for the Italian Navy includes two “Full” combat system versions with more extensive defensive capabilities, such as Anti-Air (AAW), Anti-Surface (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). It also includes three “Light Plus” versions which feature missiles.
So far the first-of-class ITS Paolo Thaon di Revel, a “light” variant, was delivered in March 2022. Two further ships, ITS Francesco Morosini and ITS Raimondo Montecuccoli, were delivered in October 2022 and September 2023, respectively.
The first “full” configuration vessel, ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere, was delivered in October 2024.
The newly-announced OPVs, each 143 metres long and capable of a maximum speed of over 31 knots, will be built at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano.
The project is being managed by European joints arms procurement organisation OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement) with Fincantieri in the lead contractor and Leonardo as partner.
CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri Pierroberto Folgiero commented: “This contract confirms the strategic importance of the programme, highlighting our group’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the operational needs of the Italian Navy.
“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.”
- You can read more details on the Fincantieri website and the OCCAR website
