Three new generation patrol boats for the joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo
As part of the OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) acquisition program of the Italian Navy (MM), Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo with stakes of 51% and 49% respectively, signed with the Directorate of Naval Armaments of the General Secretariat of Defence/DNA, the contract for the construction of three new generation patrol boats, with options relating to a further three units and the infrastructural adjustments necessary for the naval bases of Augusta, Cagliari and Messina, where they seat the ships.
The total value of the contract for the first three units is equal to 925 million euros, including the related logistic support services. Over the next few days, OSN will conclude the sub-supply contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, which will have a value of approximately 540 and 255 million euros, respectively. The one with Fincantieri constitutes a transaction between related parties of greater significance defined in compliance with the relative applicable legislation. For Leonardo, the envisaged sub-supply contract, to be concluded between Leonardo and OSN, represents a transaction with a related party of minor significance, by virtue of the value of the contract and the relevance indices applicable to the case in point. The transactions benefit from the exclusion from the procedural regime envisaged for transactions with subsidiaries (also jointly), pursuant to current regulations and the respective procedures adopted.
The OPV program responds to the need to ensure adequate presence and surveillance capabilities, maritime surveillance, control of merchant traffic, protection of communication lines and the exclusive economic zone, as well as activities to protect against threats deriving from marine pollution, such as of toxic liquids.
With a length of approximately 95 meters, a displacement of 2.300 tons and the capacity to accommodate 97 crew members on board, the new patrol vessels will be distinguished by the concentration of technological solutions, as well as by excellent standards in terms of automation and manoeuvrability. which will make them suitable to operate in a wide range of tactical scenarios and atmospheric conditions.
Among the most innovative features is the naval cockpit, developed for the Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Boats (PPA) of the MM on the basis of a truly revolutionary requirement: an integrated station, co-produced by Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech, which allows the conduct of the ship and aeronautical operations by only two operators, the pilot and the co-pilot, who have incorporated the figures of the officer of the watch on the bridge and the commander. From this position, located on the command bridge, it is in fact possible to manage both the machines, the rudders and the platform systems and some functions of the combat system.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, said: “This contract rewards and brings together the best of Italian technology. Leonardo and Fincantieri, through OSN, are able to offer "state of the art" solutions for national security. This is the result of a solid and prospective synergy. The Navy has the guarantee of a long-term capacity".
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, declared: “This signing represents a notable commercial success, because the OPVs belong to the FCX family, the cornerstone of Fincantieri's new offer in the defense sector on a global scale. It is also the confirmation of the Group's management ability to play the role of strategic partner of our Navy, one of the most advanced in the world. Last but not least, the program, through the relaunch of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, further consolidates the collaboration with Leonardo, allowing us to concentrate the ship system integration skills and, in a broader sense, reaffirms the value of our country-system".
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Fincantieri it is one of the main shipbuilding complexes in the world, the only one active in all sectors of high-tech shipbuilding. It is a leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, military and offshore vessels in the oil & gas and wind sectors, as well as in the production of systems and components, in the offer of after-sales services and in naval furnishing solutions. Thanks to the skills developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts references of excellence in infrastructures, and is a reference operator in digital and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems engineering.
With over 230 years of history and more than 7.000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how and headquarters in Italy, where it employs 10.000 people and activates approximately 90.000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 factories on four continents and nearly 21.000 direct workers.
Leonardo is a leading global Aerospace, Defense and Security (AD&S) industrial company. With 51 employees worldwide, it is active in the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner of the most important international programs in the sector such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capacities in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, the USA and Israel, operating through subsidiaries, joint ventures and equity investments, including Leonardo DRS (80,9%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%) , Hensoldt (25,1%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%) and Avio (29,6%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2022 Leonardo recorded new orders of 17,3 billion euros, with an order book of 37,5 billion euros and consolidated revenues of 14,7 billion euros. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.