Fincantieri has signed an agreement to upgrade the Italian Navy’s Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol frigates into “full combat” systems.
The effort, managed by European procurement agency OCCAR, will convert vessels in the “light” PPA configuration for basic patrol, search, and rescue missions, as well as the “light plus” variant, which includes added missile capability.
Work will also introduce advanced cyber defense solutions for the platforms.
The company noted that the initiative covers ships already delivered and those still under assembly, aiming to align the entire fleet with the most advanced operational standard.
Fincantieri will contribute about 62 million euros ($72.6 million) for the project and will coordinate with local defense industry partner Leonardo throughout the process.
“The PPA — Multipurpose Combat Ship program represents a highly flexible type of vessel, designed according to a ’fitted for’ approach that enables the progressive integration of operational capabilities,” Fincantieri said.
“With this initiative, Fincantieri further strengthens its role within the PPA program, reaffirming the Group’s positioning in the development and upgrade of highly complex, technologically advanced naval platforms, in line with the operational requirements of the Italian Navy.”
The PPA or Thaon di Revel-class vessel measures 143 meters (469 feet) long and 17 meters (56 feet) wide.
It is powered by a 43,000-horsepower gas turbine, twin 13,000-horsepower diesel engines, four diesel engine generators with a combined 2,200 horsepower, and two 1,810-horsepower electric engines.
The frigate has a speed of over 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour and has a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometers/5,754 miles).
Users can arm the ship with a vertical launch system for up to 16 missiles, decoy launchers, a 127-millimetre rapid-fire naval gun, 25-millimetre automatic cannons, 76-millimetre air defence guns, and an electronic warfare suite.
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