Italy Enhances Naval Fleet with New PPA EVO Vessels at Euronaval Trade Show
ROME — Italy is set to bolster its naval capabilities with the introduction of upgraded versions of its PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) multimission vessels, now equipped with advanced missile systems, as announced at the Euronaval trade show in Paris.
The new "EVO" variant of the PPA vessels is anticipated to be ordered by the Italian Navy next year. These enhanced ships will feature additional Sylver 50 launch modules for Aster missiles, as well as Sylver 70 launch modules capable of firing both Aster missiles and cruise missiles, including the MdCN naval land-attack missile.
This move aligns with Italy’s ongoing investment in modernizing its naval fleet, marked by the recent commissioning of new FREMM frigates and the Trieste Landing Helicopter Dock. While the Italian Navy has ordered a total of seven PPA vessels from the shipyard Fincantieri, two have been redirected to Indonesia following a procurement deal with the Southeast Asian nation. To address this gap, the Italian Navy plans to order two additional vessels, likely adopting the EVO configuration.
Current PPA designs are outfitted with two eight-cell Sylver 50 launchers at the bow, but the new EVO ships will see an increase to four launch modules in this section. Moreover, a crane centrally located on the current vessels will be removed to accommodate the new launch systems.
"At least two of the modules added on the EVO vessels will be Sylver 70," confirmed a Fincantieri official. This upgrade package also includes artificial intelligence enhancements for bridge operations and the implementation of a “digital twin” system for improved maintenance support.
Additionally, enhanced communication systems are being introduced to facilitate the deployment of surface and sub-sea drones from the PPA vessels.
As part of a €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) deal with Indonesia signed in March, the first of the two PPA vessels is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Fincantieri has previously sold six FREMM frigates to Indonesia in 2021.
In a related development, the Italian Navy recently secured a €1.5 billion contract with Fincantieri and Leonardo for two upgraded FREMM frigates, known as FREMM EVO, aimed at enhancing capabilities against drone threats and operating various unmanned systems. These vessels are slated for delivery in 2029 and 2030, joining the ten already on order.
This strategic investment marks a significant step in Italy’s naval modernization efforts, ensuring that its fleet remains advanced and capable in a rapidly evolving maritime environment.
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
