The Italian multipurpose patrol ship ITS Raimondo Montecuccoli successfully completed sea trials with the Leonardo 76/62 Super Rapid naval gun. Conducted on 6 October 2025 in the Gulf of La Spezia, the tests validated the gun’s operational readiness and its seamless deck integration. The results enhance the PPA class’s layered defense capabilities and support NATO standardization of the 76 mm family.
OCCAR officials and shipyard engineers verified the gun’s performance across different firing angles and confirmed its integration with the ship’s combat system on the Light Plus configuration PPA. Crews tested rapid elevation changes, measured firing dispersion underway, and ensured data continuity across the CMS and fire-control loops, moving the system from proven range-tested to fleet-reliable.
The PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) programme, under OCCAR since 2015, focuses on modular multipurpose ships capable of air defense, surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and dual-use missions such as humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and anti-pollution. The seven planned ships are produced in three configurations: LIGHT (full artillery), LIGHT PLUS (artillery plus missile launch capability), and FULL (full combat capability).
The Leonardo 76/62 Super Rapid gun offers an automatic, compact solution against air and surface threats. With less than 0.3 mrad dispersion and up to 120 rounds per minute, it integrates with modern combat systems and can deploy guided DART ammunition via the STRALES kit.
Three key outcomes emerged from the trials:
- Precise tracking was maintained during rapid elevation changes across wide firing arcs.
- Stability checks at sea confirmed firing dispersion and structural response.
- Integration between the turret, fire-control system, and Vulcano system demonstrated full harmonization within the ship’s digital backbone.
Operationally, the 76/62 gun provides the PPA with a flexible tool for layered defense, maritime security, and sovereignty tasks. Its non-intrusive installation supports long patrols without reducing responsiveness.
The qualification coincided with the closure of final warranty works on PPA3 on 30 September 2025. OCCAR and the industrial consortium implemented over 1,000 corrective actions across propulsion, sensors, and weapon systems. The milestone reinforces Europe’s standardization and industrial risk mitigation efforts, enabling Italy and its allies to deploy multipurpose assets quickly for presence, surveillance, sea-line protection, and crisis response.
