Indonesia signs $1.3 billion deal with Europe’s largest shipbuilder Fincantieri for two patrol vessels

Asia-Pacific, Europe, News March 31, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Europe’s largest naval supplier and shipbuilding Italian company, Fincantieri, revealed that it signed a contract with the Indonesian Navy to deliver two 4,900-ton Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol ships.

The contract was signed on March 28, 2024, by Fincantieri’s CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero and General Manager of the Indonesian Nay’s Vessels Division Dario Deste, who was representing the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

PPA is a highly flexible ship and can serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations and first-line fighting vessels. According to a press release from Fincantieri, the two 143-meter-long ships for the Indonesian Navy are presently undergoing construction and outfitting at the integrated shipyard located in Riva Trigoso-Muggiano.

Italy has been in talks with Indonesia since October last year over the sale of two PPA ships. At the time, Italy’s Junior Defense Minister Matteo Perego di Cremnago said: “It is not clear which of the vessels would go to Indonesia; that depends on when a contract is signed.”

The finalization of the deal was evident after an Italian Navy’s PPA vessel Francesco Morosini toured Southeast Asia last year, making stops in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The shipbuilder said Jakarta’s interest in PPA ships stemmed deeper from this campaign.

Italy's Fincantieri and Indonesia patrol vessels deal — *^{Italy’s Fincantieri signed a contract to deliver two Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (PPA) units to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. (Image Credit: Fincantieri/via iMarine)}*

“This contract is a milestone for the development of a strategic partnership between our group and Indonesia,” Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero said, adding this would be the “first of many significant collaborative opportunities” with Indonesia.

Fincantieri announced that it acts as the primary contractor and will oversee coordination with other industrial partners, including Leonardo, to customize the ships’ combat system and provide related logistic services.

The Italian Navy has commissioned seven PPA vessels in three configurations: light, light plus, and full. The light plus variant incorporates an anti-air warfare capability, whereas the full version also encompasses the capability to conduct anti-submarine missions.

PPA Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Ship

The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel has high flexibility and can fulfill various roles, from patrolling with sea rescue capabilities to conducting Civil Protection operations. In its most advanced configuration, it serves as a frontline combat vessel.

Different combat system configurations are available, ranging from a basic version for patrol duties with integrated self-defense capabilities to a fully equipped variant with comprehensive defense capabilities.

Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel Fincantieri — *^{PPA Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel concept. (Image Credit: Fincantieri)}*

According to Fincantieri, the PPA also demonstrates remarkable flexibility making it capable of fulfilling various roles. The ship, boasting an overall length of 133 meters and a width of 16.5 meters, holds a displacement of approximately 6000 tonnes.

With a maximum speed of 32 knots, it ensures swift maneuverability across maritime terrains. Its extensive autonomy allows for operations spanning 5000 nautical miles at 15 knots. Manned by a crew of 145 individuals, the vessel offers accommodation for 181 personnel, ensuring operational effectiveness and crew comfort during prolonged missions at sea.