Fincantieri has entered into an agreement to enhance the Italian Navy Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) fleet by upgrading the ships to a “full combat” standard.
Managed by OCCAR, the program will transform both “light” PPAs—designed for basic patrol and humanitarian missions—and “light plus” variants, which include additional missile systems, into more heavily armed and capable platforms.
The modernization will also introduce advanced cyber protection measures. The effort applies to both in-service vessels and those still being built, with the goal of standardizing the fleet at a higher combat readiness level.
Fincantieri will contribute around €62 million ($72.6 million) and will work in partnership with Leonardo S.p.A. to implement the upgrades.
The Thaon di Revel-class frigates are 143 meters long with a 17-meter beam and feature a combined propulsion system that includes a high-power gas turbine, diesel engines, generators, and electric motors. This configuration enables speeds above 50 km/h and a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles.
Armament options include a vertical launch system capable of carrying up to 16 missiles, as well as naval guns (127 mm and 76 mm), 25 mm cannons, decoy launchers, and integrated electronic warfare systems.
