Riva Trigoso, Italy — 29 May 2026- The keel laying ceremony
for the eighth Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (PPA) took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Riva Trigoso, near Genoa, marking another key
milestone in Italy’s naval shipbuilding programme.
The event signifies the official start of construction
activity on the vessel’s hull, with the completion and readiness of its first
block. Representatives from industry and defence sectors attended the ceremony,
underscoring the strategic importance of the PPA Programme for the Italian
Navy.
The OCCAR-managed PPA Programme, led by industry partner, Fincantieri, is a cornerstone of
Italy’s naval modernization efforts, aimed at delivering highly flexible and
technologically advanced ships capable of performing a wide range of
missions—from patrol and surveillance to high-intensity combat operations.
Originally intended to be built in the “Light Plus”
configuration, the eighth PPA will instead be upgraded to a higher
specification. This change follows the signing of Contractual Amendment No. 10
in April 2026, under which the vessel will be outfitted with a full combat
system. Once completed, it will become the third ship in the class to feature
this enhanced configuration, significantly boosting its operational
capabilities.
According to the programme schedule, the vessel is expected
to be launched in April 2028. Delivery to the Italian Navy is planned for 2030,
when it will join the growing fleet of next-generation vessels designed to
strengthen Italy’s maritime security and international presence.
The keel laying of PPA 8 reflects continued progress in the
programme and highlights Fincantieri’s role as a leading European shipbuilder
in the defence sector.