MPCS EVO multipurpose combat ship overview
MPCS EVO is Fincantieri’s evolved configuration of the PPA/MPCS family, the Italian Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura design marketed internationally as a Multipurpose Combat Ship. It is not a clean-sheet warship: the design retains the basic hull, propulsion philosophy and modular architecture of the Thaon di Revel-class platform while adding heavier combat-system capacity and improved provisions for unmanned, air-defense, strike and underwater missions.
Fincantieri presented the PPA/MPCS EVO, also described in industry reporting as PPA EVO or PPA 2.0, as a response to higher-threat naval operations in which a single surface combatant may need to address conventional surface and air threats, tactical ballistic missiles, loitering munitions, uncrewed systems and undersea targets. The design sits between a highly capable patrol combatant and a light frigate, with dual-use features retained for crisis response, maritime security and civil-protection tasks.
Development and program background
The baseline PPA/MPCS program was developed for the Italian Navy under a Fincantieri-led industrial arrangement with Leonardo as a key combat-system partner and OCCAR as program manager for Italy. The class was conceived around a fitted-for approach, enabling ships in lighter configurations to receive additional sensors, effectors and mission equipment over their service life.
MPCS EVO builds on that philosophy by using the growth margins of the PPA platform. Publicly released information indicates that the EVO configuration keeps the platform and propulsion arrangement largely unchanged, but modifies the bow and amidships areas to accept a larger weapons package and new mission systems. The configuration should be distinguished from the in-service Light, Light Plus and Full versions of the PPA class, because individual ships may not include every capability shown for the EVO package.
Ship design and mobility
The ship is based on a 143 m hull with a beam of approximately 16.5 m and displacement greater than 6,000 tonnes, depending on final configuration. Its combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant, supported by electric propulsion, gives the design a maximum speed around 32 kt and a range of more than 5,000 nmi at economical cruising speed. The arrangement is intended to support long-endurance patrol, escort and task-group operations without sacrificing the high sprint speed needed for combat maneuvering.
Like the underlying PPA/MPCS design, the EVO retains a strong dual-use and modular character. The ship can deploy RHIBs and other small craft through side launch-and-recovery stations and a stern ramp, and it is designed to support modular payloads for missions such as special operations, medical support, underwater surveillance and unmanned-system deployment. The PPA/MPCS architecture also includes the ability to supply drinking water and electrical power ashore during emergency or civil-protection operations.
Combat system, weapons and sensors
The most visible change in the MPCS EVO configuration is the expansion of the missile battery. Published EVO layouts describe capacity for up to eight 8-cell vertical-launch modules, giving a maximum of 64 VLS cells in a full fit. The cells may include air-defense and, where selected, longer-range strike-capable launchers. The configuration also allows for anti-ship missiles, with the MBDA Teseo Mk2/E identified in released descriptions as the intended anti-surface weapon option.
The gun fit shown for the EVO concept centers on 76 mm naval guns, supported by 30 mm or 40 mm close-in weapon systems depending on customer selection. Torpedo launchers, torpedo decoys and a variable-depth sonar can be integrated for anti-submarine warfare, while the design also provides space for unmanned underwater systems and containerized mission equipment.
Mission-system enhancements are centered on a more capable operational combat center, advanced combat-management architecture, improved electronic warfare, electro-optical and infrared surveillance, and additional counter-uncrewed-air-system sensors. Fincantieri’s Omega360 counter-drone radar and directed-energy weapon provisions have been associated with the EVO package, but these should be treated as fit-dependent capabilities rather than universal standard equipment.
Aviation and unmanned systems
MPCS EVO preserves the aviation flexibility of the PPA family. The ship is designed to operate two medium naval helicopters, such as two NH90s, or a mixed helicopter detachment including an AW101/EH101-class aircraft and an NH90. The hangar and flight-deck arrangement can also support smaller unmanned aircraft for reconnaissance and surveillance.
A key element of the EVO concept is the management and deployment of unmanned air, surface and underwater systems. The ship’s mission bays, stern handling arrangements and combat-system architecture are intended to allow UAVs, USVs, UUVs, ROVs and autonomous underwater vehicles to be used as part of the ship’s sensor and mission package, particularly for anti-submarine, seabed-warfare, mine-countermeasure and surveillance roles.
Operational role and status
MPCS EVO is best understood as a high-end evolution of the PPA/MPCS family for navies seeking a modular surface combatant with frigate-like combat capacity and patrol-ship flexibility. It is intended for air defense, anti-surface warfare, maritime security, escort, special operations support, ASW-related tasks, counter-drone defense and humanitarian or civil-protection missions.
As of mid-2026, public Italian and OCCAR announcements address additional PPA/MPCS construction and upgrades of existing Light and Light Plus ships toward Full Combat System standard. Fincantieri markets MPCS EVO as the next evolutionary configuration, but final equipment fits will depend on customer requirements, funding and national combat-system selections.
