The Italian Navy has released fresh details about its seven new multifunctional ships with Combat Management System developed by Leonardo-Finmeccanica.

For the PPAs (Pattugliatore Polivalente D’Altura)), Leonardo offers a next generation, open architecture, modular and reconfigurable Combat Management System. The bridge is provided with an innovative system named “cockpit” created alongside Fincantieri, which for the first time will allow the integrated management of both vessel navigation and combat system operations, with a reduced number of operators, thanks to the use of augmented reality technologies. The new systems provided by Leonardo include the new multi-sensor fire control radar, a new multifunction Active Electronically Scanned Array radar with four dual band C and X-band radars (DBRs), next generation IFF sensors (Identification Friend & Foe) with circular antenna and the innovative static IRST (InfraRed Search and Track), an infrared sensor for seeking out and tracking targets, based on multiple non-rotating optical heads, distributed over the four sides of the vessel to ensure a seamless 360 degree view.

The new systems provided by Leonardo include the new multi-sensor fire control radar, a new multifunction Active Electronically Scanned Array radar with four dual band C and X-band radars (DBRs), next generation IFF sensors (Identification Friend & Foe) with circular antenna and the innovative static IRST (InfraRed Search and Track), an infrared sensor for seeking out and tracking targets, based on multiple non-rotating optical heads, distributed over the four sides of the vessel to ensure a seamless 360 degree view.

The PPAs will also be equipped with integrated communication systems which, along with the multi-band satellite systems, also include the new Software Defined Radios. Still for the offshore multipurpose patrol ships, Leonardo will provide the 127/64 LW gun, the most advanced globally in the sector of high-calibre naval guns, thanks to the combination of four elements – the gun assembly, the Automated Ammunition Handling System (AAHS), the Naval Fire Control Support (NFCS) planning system and Vulcano ammunition. The latter is a sub-calibre ammunition, developed in two main variants: guided (GLR) with longer range (100 km) for anti-ship operations or precision shooting against land targets, and non-guided, equipped with a multi-function fuse and that can reach 60 km. In the field of medium calibre weapons, the new “Sovraponte” version of the 76/62 gun will be installed on the PPAs which, in its typical multipurpose function, can be used against airborne, maritime, land and asymmetric targets.

The latter is a sub-calibre ammunition, developed in two main variants: guided (GLR) with longer range (100 km) for anti-ship operations or precision shooting against land targets, and non-guided, equipped with a multi-function fuse and that can reach 60 km. In the field of medium calibre weapons, the new “Sovraponte” version of the 76/62 gun will be installed on the PPAs which, in its typical multipurpose function, can be used against airborne, maritime, land and asymmetric targets.

The “Sovraponte” (over deck) version will be equipped with the Strales kit for the use of DART (Driven Ammunition Reduced Time Of Flight) guided ammunition. In the field of small calibre weapons, 25 mm remotely controlled towers will be installed which can be used for the close protection of larger units or, when installed on smaller units, for use in the interdiction of maritime traffic and the fight against smuggling operations. The remote control ODLS 20 launcher (OTO Decoy Launching System) will be installed on the “full” configuration PPAs, whose main role is to provide the vessel with passive defence from radars and missiles equipped with IR seekers, but also ASW (

The remote control ODLS 20 launcher (OTO Decoy Launching System) will be installed on the “full” configuration PPAs, whose main role is to provide the vessel with passive defence from radars and missiles equipped with IR seekers, but also ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) decoys. Leonardo will provide the patrol vessels with a torpedo launcher system, the Underwater Telephone, the Bathy Termograph Unit and the Diver Detection Sonar. Finally, MBDAwill provide the airborne defence system and/or the anti-ship system, depending on the configuration of the PPA. For example, the PPAs in the “light” configuration are fitted for possible installation of missiles systems for air and anti-ship defence.