The
PPA Programme
is an innovative Multipurpose Patrol Ship Programme for Italy. PPA
characteristics meet the Italian concept of “Multi-Purpose by Design”, a
model,
shared with the NATO Community, that will allow these ships to be able
to cope
with dynamic and complex scenarios, as well as to carry out many
profiles of
operations. These units, fully interoperable with NATO and EU partners,
will be
more versatile than the present generation of ships, benefiting from an
extensive use of the modularity concept. They are conceived, since the
beginning of the design phase, with enhanced “dual use” features, fit
for all
military tasks and able to intervene also during peace time, supporting
humanitarian,
disaster relief and anti-pollution operations, through new modular
capabilities.
The
PPA will have a
smaller environmental footprint, by further reducing the polluting
emissions,
also by adopting new generation bio fuel and electric propulsion. Some
characteristics deserve a special mention: high flexibility and level of
innovation, very high speed, long endurance, resilience and
seaworthiness,
maneuverability, modularity, high level of integration and automation,
in other
words better suited to face the challenges of the 21st century. PPAs
will be
able to be rapidly deployed at long distances in a broad spectrum of
emergency
situations, becoming the backbone of the Italian Navy. The PPA Programme
includes Development and Production of seven (7) ships and the
In-Service Support for
ten years. Based on a common platform, PPAs will be delivered in three
configurations with incremental capabilities:
·LIGHT
(2 ships): this version has a complete set of
artillery;
·
LIGHT
PLUS (3 ships): version similar to ‘LIGHT’ but adds a missile firing
capability
with actuators planned also for ballistic missile defence;
and
·
FULL
(2 ships): able to carry out tasks in all warfare areas such as Anti-Air
(AAW),
Anti-Surface (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare
(ASW).
LIGHT and LIGHT
PLUS versions have been developed with the “fitted for” approach: LIGHT
or
LIGHT PLUS versions can easily be upgraded to FULL configuration,
facilitating
growing capabilities during the vessel’s life.
The
Programme was
integrated into OCCAR in 2015 and it is currently in the production
phase. The
First of Class (FOC) “Paolo Thaon di Revel”, in LIGHT configuration, was
launched on 15 June 2019 and was delivered on 18 March
2022.
The second vessel,
“Francesco Morosini”, launched on 15 May 2020, was delivered on 22
October
2022.
The third vessel,
“Raimondo Montecuccoli”, launched on 13 March 2021 was
delivered on 27 September 2023.
All the three ships are
now under the
contractual in-service support phase. Four more ships will be delivered
by
2026, the first of which in full configuration (FOC F) will be delivered
in
2024.
The PPA Programme
has been conceived on a Through Life Management TLM principle. Thus, the
Programme was developed with an Integrated Logistic Support approach,
including
the Temporary Support definition since its beginning.
All Images
Copyright: Marina Militare Italiana
PPA Participating State
