Italian Navy orders two new PPAs to replace vessels sold to Indonesia

The Italian Navy has ordered two additional Multipurpose Offshore Patroller (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura – PPA) vessels, lead contractor Fincantieri announced on 26 June 2025.

The order, which replaces two PPA vessels that were sold to Indonesia prior to their completion, is a contract extension that is being managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) on behalf of Fincantieri, as lead contractor, and Leonardo, as programme partner.

For Fincantieri the value of the contract for the two new vessels is around EUR 700 million, which includes works already carried out on the previous vessels now destined for Indonesia.

The two new PPA vessels will be delivered in the ‘Light Plus’ configuration at Fincantieri’s integrated Riva Trigoso/Muggiano shipyard, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030.

The Italian Navy currently operates four PPA vessels commissioned between March 2022 and October 2024, while seven of the ships have so far been financed.

PPA vessels are 143 m long and operated by a crew of 171. Their combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant (CODAG) and electric propulsion system propel the ship to a speed of more than 31 kts (57 km/h) and can provide electrical power to land.

PPAs are capable of serving multiple missions ranging from operating as frontline combat vessels to patrol missions, including in a sea rescue capacity, and civil protection operations.

The PPA production programme follows a ‘fitted for’ approach, enabling the integration of additional capabilities over time towards an eventual fully equipped configuration.

The PPA combat system is available in different configurations: from a ‘light’ version for patrol tasks integrated with self-defence capabilities to a ‘full’ version providing complete defence capabilities.

The vessel is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as rigid-hull inflatable boats up to 11 m long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the stern.

Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero was quoted as saying in a company press release, “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, where shipbuilding is increasingly a key element of influence and international co-operation.”