Fincantieri has launched the Italian Navy’s final Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol vessel as part of a contract signed in 2019.
Unveiled at the Riva Trigoso, the Domenico Millelire (P436) is the seventh system ordered by Rome to replace the navy’s existing Minerva-class corvettes and Lupo-class frigates in service since the 1970s.
Italy conceptualized the PPA program in 2014 in collaboration with the European armaments consortium Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.
Fincantieri will resume work to finalize the P436’s construction, with the vessel’s arrival expected in 2026.
Italian Thaon di Revel Ships
The PPA or Thaon di Revel-class fleet is designed for maritime security, sea rescue, and civil protection missions. Although having similar architectures, each ship incorporates unique mission capabilities from coastline monitoring to broader, full defense functions.
A PPA platform measures 143 meters (469.2 feet) long and has a beam of 16.5 meters (54.2 feet).
Depending on its configuration, the ship can be powered by a diesel engine, combined diesel and gas engine, or electric engine for a speed up to 31.6 knots (58.5 kilometers/36.4 miles per hour) and achieve a maximum range of 5,000 nautical miles (5754 miles/9,300 kilometers).
It is integrated with fire control, underwater detection, air and ground radar, command management, and satellite communication technologies that are coupled with electronic warfare, countermeasures, and decoy launch systems for enhanced maneuverability and flexibility.
The PPA is armed with mounted rapid-fire and anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship and land-attack warheads, and torpedoes. Additionally, it has a flight deck to carry AW1010 and NH90 helicopters, as well as dedicated spaces for cranes, containers, and rigid inflatable boats.
PPA Ship for Indonesia
Fincantieri received a separate contract in April 2024 to construct two offshore patrol boats for Indonesia based on the Italian Navy’s Thaon di Revel-class design.
Jakarta revealed the plan for the acquisition after the visit of the second PPA to the country in 2023.