Fincantieri has delivered the fourth Thaon di Revel-class offshore multipurpose patrol vessel (PPA) to the Italian Navy in La Spezia.
The ceremony formally inducted the Giovanni delle Bande Nere (P434) into service alongside its three predecessors, operational since 2022.
The event included the vessel’s final official acceptance review, which completed the contractual documentation between the Italian government, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, and the industry.
The P434 is the first of its class to be fitted with a specialized configuration that incorporates modern armaments, sensors, communications suites, and countermeasures.
The ship’s namesake, Giovanni delle Bande Nere, was a historical “condottiero,” or mercenary commander in Italy during the Renaissance period.
He is associated with the War of Urbino and the War of the League of Cognac, in which he served under two popes who were also his cousins.
Italy’s Thaon di Revel Fleet
The Thaon di Revel class, or PPA fleet, is intended for naval defense, sea rescue, as well as civil protection tasks.
Each PPA measures 143 meters (469 feet), has a beam of 17 meters (56 feet), and accommodations for up to 120 personnel.
The ship is powered by combined diesel and gas engines, electric engines, and emergency generators, allowing for a top speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles per hour) and a range of 9,300 kilometers (5,779 miles).
It has a flight deck and a double hangar that can carry up to two NH90 medium-sized multirole helicopters and associated aviation equipment.
The PPA is equipped with electronic warfare systems, decoy launchers, automated lightweight guns, anti-aircraft cannons, remote weapons, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.