Nice move by Fincantieri selling 2 Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels to Indonesia.

According to information published by Fincantieri on March 28, 2024, the Italian shipbuilding company, announced the signing of a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, valued at 1.18 billion euros, for the supply of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (PPA).
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Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessel Francesco Morosini at LIMA 2023. (Picture source: Italian MoD)

These ships, capable of performing a wide range of operations from patrol and sea rescue to civil protection and frontline combat roles, are currently under construction at Fincantieri's Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso-Muggiano.

The engagement of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence with these units was influenced by the performance of the Francesco Morosini, the second ship in the PPA class of the Italian Navy, which demonstrated its capabilities during a maritime campaign in the Far East, including a stopover in Indonesia in July 2023.

This acquisition is expected to foster further operational, industrial, and technological cooperation between Italy and Indonesia, enhancing the latter's national security efforts and contributing to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fincantieri will serve as the prime contractor, coordinating with industrial partners such as Leonardo for the customization of the combat systems and logistic services. The agreement's finalization is contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.

The CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero, highlighted the deal as a cornerstone for developing strategic relations between Fincantieri and Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of Southeast Asia in the company's growth strategy and the potential for future collaborations with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence.

Technical data

The "Full" version of the PPA has a light displacement of 4,994 tons, which increases to a full load displacement of 6,270 tons. The "Light+" variant slightly reduces these figures, with a light displacement of 4,912 tons and a full load displacement of 5,880 tons. The "Light" version is the most streamlined, with a light displacement of 4,880 tons and a full load displacement of 5,830 tons.

All variants share common dimensions, measuring 143 meters in length overall and 133 meters between perpendiculars, with a beam of 16.5 meters and a draught of 10.5 meters. The depth of these vessels is 5 meters. The propulsion system is a CODAG CC scheme, integrating a General Electric/Avio LM2500+G4 gas turbine and two MTU 20V 8000 M91L diesel engines, supplemented by MAN GenSets diesel engine generators, which in later PPAs are replaced by Isotta Fraschini engines. The electrical power is provided by two electric engines and emergency generators, with propulsion through two shafts driving controllable pitch propellers.

These vessels are capable of reaching speeds up to 31.6 knots with CODAG, varying down to 10 knots on electric-diesel engine power alone, ensuring a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. Accommodation varies with configuration, offering up to 173 beds, with crew sizes of 120 for the Full version and 90 for the Light and Light+ versions, which can be augmented for specific missions.

The onboard technology includes advanced systems for navigation, surveillance, and combat. The Leonardo naval cockpit and various radar and sonar systems provide comprehensive situational awareness. The electronic warfare capabilities are enhanced with the Elettronica-ELT Spa ZEUS System, and armament options range from guns and missiles to anti-submarine warfare equipment, tailored to the specific variant of the PPA. The aviation facilities can accommodate either two SH90 helicopters or one AW101, underscoring the versatility and multi-role capability of the PPA class.