The Italian Navy will be advancing its maritime capabilities with a €925 million ($1.02 billion) contract awarded to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali for the acquisition of next-generation patrol vessels under the OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) program.
Fincantieri and Leonardo’s joint venture, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), signed a contract with the Italian Navy for the construction of three next-generation patrol vessels under the OPV acquisition program.
The contract also includes options for three additional units and infrastructural upgrades at naval bases in Augusta, Cagliari, and Messina, where the vessels will be stationed.
The contract’s total value for the initial three units, including integrated logistics support, amounts to €925 million. OSN will soon finalize sub-contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, with values of approximately €540 million and €255 million, respectively.
The manufacturers assert that the new patrol vessels, with a length of approx. 95 meters, a displacement of 2,300 tons, and the capacity to accommodate 97 crew members, will be characterized by advanced technological solutions, automation and maneuverability. According to them, these attributes make the vessels well-suited to operate in a wide array of tactical scenarios and adverse weather conditions.
As per the official announcement, the Italian Navy’s Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels will feature an innovative “naval cockpit” designed by Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech. This integrated workstation allows the ship and aeronaval operations to be controlled by only two operators, the pilot and copilot, managing machinery, rudders, platform systems, and combat management functions from the command bridge.
“This contract rewards and brings together the best of Italian technology. Leonardo and Fincantieri, through OSN, are able to offer state-of-the-art solutions for national security. This is the fruit of a solid and prospective synergy. The Navy is guaranteed the garrison of a long-term capability,” said Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo.
The new patrol ships will complement the larger PPA multi-purpose ships that are currently also being delivered. Fincantieri delivered the second of seven Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) vessels on October 22 of last year. The agreement includes the construction of seven units at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2026.
