In the military sector, Fincantieri is a full liner operator, capable of offering a complete range of surface ships, submarines and logistical and after-sales support services. The national market, through the partnership with the MMI, has a strategic importance for Fincantieri. The company acts as a driver for export, offering the possibility of having cutting-edge, well-proven products, allows for the continuous development of the innovation necessary to produce sophisticated products and is essential to maintain an adequate production base, with a significant multiplier effect on the territory in terms of employment and value.
Sponsored content by
Fincantieri makes available the expertise gained as a dual-use producer and the best practices originated in the civil sector for the development of new platforms, more flexible and efficient in operational terms, with greater energy efficiency, meeting the most advanced safety standards, manageable with smaller crews and therefore characterized by lower operating costs. Under the naval law aimed at renewing the Italian Navy fleet, financed starting from the 2014 stability law, Fincantieri received the order for the construction of two LSS (Logistic Support Ships), one LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock), including the provision of life cycle support for 10 years and 7 PPAs (Multi Purpose Combat Ship).
Four Multi Purpose Combat Ships have already been delivered. This class represents a highly flexible type of frigate capable of performing multiple tasks ranging from patrolling with sea rescue capabilities to Civil Protection operations and, in its more equipped version, as a frontline combat ship. Different combat system configurations are planned: starting from a “light” one, related to the patrolling task, integrated with self-defense capabilities, up to a “complete” one, equipped with maximum defense capabilities. The ships are capable of deploying fast boats such as RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) up to a length of over 11 meters via side cranes or a stern launching ramp.
More in detail, the PPA is designed to perform tasks such as patrolling, logistical transport and combat, but also civil and environmental protection thanks to its intrinsic dual capabilities, made evident by the peculiar onboard arrangements. The two modular aft zones allow for the embarkation of containers suitable for different mission needs, such as logistical and medical containers, and at the same time enable the embarkation of Special Forces or a complex command. Entirely built in Italy, at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, the PPA is visually distinguished by its double staggered bow, which evokes the ram of ancient Roman ships, a solution that allows the unit to reduce wave formation and fuel consumption, thus increasing its hydrodynamics and maximum speed. Two other iconic and futuristic technological elements are the Naval Cockpit and the multi-clutch reducer. The former allows the ship and air-naval operations to be conducted from an integrated station managed by only two operators. The latter, on the other hand, allows for a wide range of possible propulsion configurations adaptable to the tactical situation, from those that ensure a significant extension of autonomy to those capable of achieving maximum performance in terms of reaction and speed (32 knots). The new technologies implemented make it a top-level engineering tool, which well synthesizes the research and development process and the manufacturing capabilities of Italian ingenuity.
During Euronaval 2024, Fincantieri presented the evolution of this successful project, the PPA EVO. PPA EVO is an extremely versatile naval unit, designed to carry out a wide range of missions: from maritime defense and security to humanitarian operations, from the protection of our coasts to the safeguarding of trade routes. This operational flexibility and “mission modularity” is made possible thanks to a reconfigurability study, conducted by the design department of the Naval Vessel Division, which allows the ship to be adapted to different operational needs, without compromising efficiency or readiness. One of the main strengths of the PPA EVO is its exceptional power projection capability. Equipped with an advanced suite of weapons, radars and electronic warfare systems, it is able to deal with asymmetric and conventional threats with extreme effectiveness, ensuring the protection of national forces and interests in both territorial and international waters. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as fire control and surveillance systems, allows these units to monitor large areas of the sea, preventing any attempted breach or attack.
No less important is their high autonomy and endurance. In fact, it is designed to operate long-term in seas far from the Italian coasts, being able to remain at sea for extended periods without the need for frequent refueling. This feature makes it an ideal tool for international missions, especially in the context of NATO operations and peacekeeping and security missions in the Mediterranean and beyond.
One of the qualities that distinguishes these ships the most is their reconfigurability. A naval vessel based on reconfigurability offers numerous advantages. Firstly, the ship can upgrade systems and configurations without resorting to new construction, ensuring that the vessel remains state-of-the-art without the need for costly overhauls. This continuous adaptability means that the ship’s response to challenges is not limited to its initial design but can evolve to meet new threats and requirements as they arise. Consequently, there is no risk of having an obsolete ship after only 10-15 years, as it can be continuously updated.
Moreover, the ability to extend the ship’s life cycle significantly improves the economic sustainability of the initial investment, making it a smart, long-term purchase. This reconfigurability also allows the ship to adapt to geopolitical changes and emerging threats, providing a versatile and resilient defense platform. Ultimately, a reconfigurable ship is capable of evolving over time, ensuring that it remains a valuable asset throughout its operational life. This approach not only maximizes the return on investment but also ensures that the naval unit remains effective and relevant in an ever-changing global landscape.
PPA EVO confirms Fincantieri’s commitment to the constant evolution of its projects in line with the requests of its customers, pursuing the goal of developing the ship of the future.
