Italian Navy Takes Delivery of Fourth Multipurpose Combat Ship "Giovanni delle Bande Nere"

The Italian Navy has taken delivery of the fourth Multipurpose Combat Ship (PPA) "Giovanni delle Bande Nere" at Fincantieri's shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia).

The "Giovanni delle Bande Nere" is the first PPA of its class in "full" combat configuration. It is part of the renewal plan for the Italian Navy's operational fleet, approved by the Italian Government and Parliament under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement), which oversees multinational defense procurement.

The PPA is capable of performing a wide range of functions, from patrol missions with sea rescue capability to civil protection operations and frontline combat. The ship can operate at various levels of combat readiness, ranging from a "light" configuration, focused on patrol and self-defense, to a "full" configuration, equipped for comprehensive defense capabilities. It is also capable of deploying high-speed vessels, such as RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) up to 11 meters in length, using either lateral cranes or a stern ramp.

The PPA "Giovanni delle Bande Nere" measures 143 meters in length and can reach speeds exceeding 31 knots. It has a crew complement of 171 personnel. The ship is powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system (CODAG), complemented by an electric propulsion system, allowing for versatile and efficient operations. Additionally, the PPA is equipped with the capacity to supply drinking water and electrical power to land, further broadening its support capabilities in both military and humanitarian contexts.

The PPA ships are being constructed at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries scheduled to continue until 2026.