One hull, three identities: the modular future of naval warfare

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Modern navies are moving away from single-purpose ships toward versatile platforms. The Italian Thaon di Revel-class demonstrates this shift, designed to switch roles from sea rescue and civil protection to high-intensity first-line fighting simply by swapping out different sensor suites and weapon modules.

The Thaon di Revel-class (or PPA) represents a modular approach to maritime defense. Rather than building distinct ships for every possible mission, the Italian Navy is utilizing a common hull designed with high levels of automation and modularity. This allows the fleet to be deployed in three primary configurations: Light, Light+, and Full. The 'Light' version focuses on basic patrol and gun armaments, while the 'Full' configuration transforms the vessel into a formidable combatant capable of anti-ship and land attack missions.

The technical disparity between these versions is significant. While the Light configuration uses X-band radar, the Light+ and Full options utilize C-band and complete DBR radars respectively. Most notably, the Full version carries two eight-cell Sylver vertical launching systems for Aster anti-aircraft missiles—capable of intercepting MRBMs—alongside eight TESEO "EVO" MK2/E anti-ship missile launchers. These heavy-duty missiles offer a range of more than 360 km, double that of their predecessors. Even the lighter models are designed with the physical provision to be upgraded to 'Full' status later.

The class highlights the complexities of modern naval procurement and diplomacy. Originally planned as sixteen ships under the 2014 Naval Law to replace older Soldati-class and Minerva-class vessels, the project has seen significant international movement. In a notable deal, Italy sold two units to Indonesia for €1.18 billion in 2024, funded by three European banks. This transaction included not only the ships but also a transfer of technology. The Indonesian Navy now faces its own modular dilemma: deciding whether to source missiles from Italy, France, or Turkey as they consider upgrading their 'Light+' units to 'Full' configuration.

This strategy matters because it allows for economic and operational flexibility. It enables a navy to maintain a diverse fleet without the overhead of multiple unique designs. By standardizing the hull and focusing on modular 'plug-and-play' equipment, nations can adapt to evolving threats—from piracy and search-and-rescue to high-end missile defense—without needing to redesign their entire maritime architecture.

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