Italy strengthens defense with five new minehunter warships

Italy is bolstering its coastal and naval defenses with an order for five new minesweeping warships. This significant development comes from local reports, highlighting statements from two leading Italian defense firms—Leonardo and Intermarine. The ships are set to be constructed at Intermarine’s facility in Sarzana, La Spezia, Italy. 

These vessels will be 63 meters in length, and the deal, worth €1.6 billion [approximately US$2.82 billion], has caused a notable surge in the stock prices of the involved companies. Intermarine’s shares soared by 16%, while Leonardo saw a 2.3% increase. Intermarine will handle 27% of the contract, focusing on building the minesweepers, while Leonardo will be responsible for the combat and communication systems. 

As of the latest available data, the Italian Navy has a total of 10 minehunters in active service. These vessels are part of the Gaeta and Lerici classes, which specialize in mine countermeasure operations. 

The Gaeta-class minehunters, named after Italian coastal cities, are equipped with advanced sonar systems and remotely operated vehicles [ROVs] to locate and dispose of mines. They are a crucial component of Italy’s naval mine warfare capabilities. 

The Lerici-class minehunters, also named after Italian coastal towns, share similar capabilities with the Gaeta class but feature different designs and technological specifications. Both classes are integral to the Navy’s efforts to maintain safe and secure maritime routes. 

These minehunters play a vital role in both national defense and international missions, often participating in NATO operations and joint exercises with allied navies to enhance mine countermeasure interoperability and effectiveness.

Mine hunters are specialized warships designed to detect, classify, and neutralize naval mines. These vessels play a critical role in ensuring the safety of naval and commercial shipping lanes, as well as protecting harbors and coastal areas from the threat of underwater mines. 

To fulfill their purpose, mine hunters are equipped with advanced sonar systems that can scan the seabed for the presence of mines. These sonar systems use sound waves to create detailed images of objects on the ocean floor, allowing the crew to identify potential mines. 

Once a mine is detected, mine hunters use remotely operated vehicles [ROVs] or autonomous underwater vehicles [AUVs] to investigate the object more closely. These vehicles are equipped with cameras and additional sensors to provide a clearer view and confirm whether the object is indeed a mine. 

After confirming the presence of a mine, mine hunters employ various methods to neutralize the threat. One common approach is to use the ROV or AUV to place a small explosive charge near the mine, which can then be detonated remotely to destroy the mine safely.

In addition to their detection and neutralization capabilities, minehunters are often constructed with materials and designs that minimize their own magnetic and acoustic signatures. This reduces the likelihood of triggering mines that are sensitive to such signatures, thereby enhancing the safety of the vessel and its crew. 

The effectiveness of minehunters is further augmented by their ability to operate in various environmental conditions, including shallow waters and areas with complex seabed topography. This versatility ensures that they can address mine threats in a wide range of operational scenarios. 

Overall, minehunters are a vital component of naval defense strategies, providing a crucial capability to safeguard maritime operations from the dangers posed by naval mines. Their advanced technology and specialized design enable them to detect, classify, and neutralize mines efficiently, ensuring the safety of both military and civilian maritime activities.

Source: bulgarianmilitary.com