OCCAR takes over management of Italian shipbuilding project

The European Union agency that manages multinational armament procurement has added two Italian maritime programs to its portfolio.

Formally integrated into the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation, or OCCAR, are Italy's Multipurpose Combat Ship Program and its Logistic Support Ship Program, bringing the number of European programs in its portfolio to 12.

OCCAR said that the two classes of ships with enhanced dual-use capabilities have been conceived for traditional military tasks and peacetime support of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance operations.

The Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura (PPA) vessel represents the best example of a "one-size-fits-all warship" designed to perform a wide spectrum of missions due to modularity and flexibility and will replace patrol vessels, corvettes and frigates.

The program calls for the development and production of six ships, with an option for another four ships. In-service support for a period of 10 years is also part of the program.

The delivery of the first-of-class vessel is planned for 2020.

The Logistic Support Ship, or LSS, will be capable of supporting a naval Joint Task Force, to support disaster relief operations, to provide medical support and to transport naval and aviation fuel, fresh water, ammunition, lubricating oil, food, spare parts and other items.

The delivery of the LSS is planned for 2019.