Fincantieri cuts steel for Italian Navy’s eighth PPA

In a ceremony at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso shipyard, a steel was cut for the eighth unit in Italy’s PPA (Multipurpose Combat Ship) program.

The ceremony, which took place last week, was attended by senior shipyard officials, including Director Antonio Quintano. The vessel is a part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament under the aegis of OCCAR, with the capacity to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to civil protection operations and first line fighting vessel.

The PPAs measure 143 meters in length, can exceed speeds of 31 knots, and support crews of about 171 sailors. Propulsion is provided by a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) system complemented by an electric drive, enabling a blend of high performance and fuel efficiency.

Modular “fitted for” construction allows these vessels to be adapted over time: they can be delivered in a “light plus” configuration suited for patrol and self-defence, or equipped up to a “full combat” configuration with advanced defensive systems. This approach enables the Italian Navy to evolve capabilities based on strategic needs and technological developments.

The ships are also capable of deploying high-speed rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) up to 11 meters long, launched via side cranes or a stern ramp — an important feature for boarding operations, rescue missions, and maritime security tasks.

The steel-cutting ceremony follows a contract extension agreed in June 2025, under which the Italian Navy ordered two additional PPA units valued at approximately €700 million. These will replace two vessels originally planned for transfer to the Indonesian Navy. Deliveries are expected in 2029 and 2030.