Image source: topwar.ru
The Italian Navy has received 4 patrol ships of the PPA (Thaon di Revel) project, a series of which has been under construction since 2017. The first two pennants (P430, P431) belong to the lightweight subtype of Light, being in fact "overgrown boats".
With a displacement of 5,830 tons, they do not have rocket armament or torpedoes, being equipped with only one 127 mm/64 Leonardo Vulcano cannon, one 76 mm/62 Super Rapido cannon and two 25 mm remote-controlled guns for close-range defense. The radar operates only in the X-band, meaning it can see targets, but is unable to aim long-range missiles at them, which, however, is not required with such a filling.
Paolo Thaon di Revel (P 430) of the Light subtype of the Thaon di Revel Project (PPA) Italian Navy:
Image source: topwar.ru
However, these ships can actually turn into heavy frigates without making structural changes. The hull initially has empty volumes for the installation of the Sylver A50 VPU, reserved seats and cable routes for under-deck systems and additional control panels.
According to OCCAR, the Italian Navy has decided to bring the ships of the PPA project to the Full standard, which assumes maximum saturation of the sides with weapons and equipment.
KRI Prabu Siliwangi (321) Subtype Full of the Thaon di Revel Project (PPA) Indonesian Navy:
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The pennants will be equipped with Sylver A50 VPU (with 16 cells) for Aster 15/30 missiles and the latest Aster 30 B1 NT (capable of intercepting ballistic targets), and an anti-submarine complex (TA towed aft and active AFT in the hull). The radar will receive C-band panels, which will make it dual-band.
As a result, the PPAs will turn into a full-fledged combat unit. At the same time, the work will not require rebuilding the pennant, it will be filling the already finished "skeleton" with pre-selected systems. This is the Italian way of modernization.: even at the construction stage, provide for the possibility of strengthening the ship.
