Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has secured a contract to construct two additional Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose combat ships for the Italian Navy, further strengthening the country’s naval capabilities. This significant investment is pegged at approximately 700 million euros (around $810 million), which encompasses both the new ships and the work completed on vessels originally designated for the Indonesian Navy.
The contract will be overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, with Fincantieri as the primary contractor and Leonardo serving as a key partner in this initiative. The new ships are set to be delivered in a “light plus” configuration in 2029 and 2030, respectively, with construction taking place at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyard located in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, expressed confidence in the strategic importance of this program. He emphasized the company’s ability to address the operational needs of the Italian Navy in a timely and effective manner. Folgiero noted that the new vessels not only support Italy’s defense infrastructure but also promote the national supply chain, ensuring job stability and reinforcing the country’s role within the global defense landscape. He remarked on the increasing significance of shipbuilding as an element of influence and international collaboration.
The PPA vessels are designed to replace the aging Soldati-class light patrol frigates and the Minerva-class corvettes; four PPAs have already been delivered to the Italian Navy. Each PPA measures 143 meters (469 feet) in length and can achieve speeds of up to 31 knots (approximately 57.4 kilometers per hour or 36 miles per hour). The ships are manned by a crew of 171 and feature a modern propulsion system that combines diesel and gas turbine technology with electric capabilities.
These multipurpose combat ships are not only versatile in their operational roles—capable of sea rescue patrols, civil protection missions, and frontline combat operations—but also allow for the integration of advanced capabilities over time. This includes enhancements for self-defense in the patrol configuration and comprehensive defense features in the full version, underscoring the adaptability of the PPA class to meet evolving maritime challenges.
