With fewer and bigger ships…in the trend ...but with a interesting "Mosquito" fleet ! 2 Light Aircraft-Carriers (toward a +/- slightly improved capabilities by late 2010’s)
1 “Cavour” class aircraft carrier:
"Cavour", 27 000 tons, cost +/- 1,5 € billion (+/- 2 $ billion). Commissioned by 2009, with probably +/- 33/35 years service life, to be retired by 2040/2044.
1 “Guiseppe Garibaldi” class aircraft carrier:
“Guiseppe Garibaldi”, 13 000 tons, commissioned by 1985, with +/- 30 years service life, to be retired around 2015 and replaced by a new 20 000 tons LHA (same design as the 2 new expected LHD but with much more enhanced aviation capabilities= F-35 full capable).
Naval Aviation (very concerned by the F-35…”saga”/problems/cost):
Aircrafts:
- 17 ageing AV-8B harriers (15 front line aircrafts, 2 training aircrafts) to be replaced by 22 newer F-35B (with 150/200 million € per copy = around 3,3/4,4+ € billion, a considerable effort from Italian finances….).
- Older maritime patrol aircraft already retired. Likely to be replaced in future by UAV.
+/- 108 Helico:
- 56 NH 90 (46 ASW, 10 transports) in order
- 22 EH 101 (8 ASW, 10 ASH, 4 AEW)
- 30 AB 212
4 AAW destroyers (some doubts about 4 full AAW ships by mid 2020’s…)
2 “Orizzonte” class:
"Andrea Doria, Caio Duilio", commom 6700 tons AAW DDG design with French navy; Cost 1,5+ € billion for 2 ships. Very capable AAW ships. Commissioned by 2007/2010, with probable 30/35 years service life expected, to be retired by 2037/2045. Initially 2 others expected by early/mid 2010’s to replace +/- prematurely older “Durand de la Penne” DDG but now, serious doubt rise about the Italian capability (€/$) to build these 2 furthers expensive ships (now +/- 1 billion € per unit).
2 “Durand de la Penne”:
"Luigi Durand de la Penne, Francesco Mimbelli", 5400 tons, commissioned by 1993, with probable 30 years service life expected, to be retired by 2023. Maybe to be replaced by 2 new Orizzonte (+/- doubtful) or maybe by 2 AAW enhanced ships derived from the newer Bergamini FFG class ?, or, at the worse, not replaced (because the newer “Bergamini” have few AAW capabilities…)
12 ASW frigates (to down to 10 or at the extreme worst only 6 ? by late 2010’s)
8 “Maestrale”:
(Maestrale, Grecale, Libeccio, Scirocco, Aliseo, Euro, Espero, Zeffiro). 3100 tons, Much enlarged Artigliere design. Commissioned by 1982/1985, with +/- 30 years service life (for few ships, extended to 35+ years to last until late 2010’s), to be retired by 2012/2020.
4 “Artigliere/Lupo”:
(Artigliere, Aviere, Bersagliere, Granatiere), 2800 tons, light ASW frigates, commissioned by 1977, with probable +/- 30 years service life, to be retired very soon, all by early 2010’s.
Officially these 2 class (12 ships: 8 maestrale + 4 lupo) was expected to be replaced by :
10 newer 6000 tons “Bergamini” class FFG
(nearly common FFG frigate designed with France) in 2 models (6 “GP”= General purpose and 4 “ASW”= Anti submarine warfare), 1 ship commissioned each years from 2012 to 2021. But some serious doubts rise about the real final number of ships really to be built by 2021:
- A 1st batch of 2 ships were already under construction: “F 590 ? Bergamini”(GP), commissioned by 2012 and “F 591 ? Margottini” (ASW) by 2013.
- A 2st batch of 4 ships (3 ASW, 1 GP: F 592-595 ?), apparently a secured order, will be delivered by 2014/2017.
- A 3rd batch of 2 ships (GP: F-596/597 ?) maybe ? ordered by 2013, to be delivered by 2018/2019.
- A 4th and final batch of 2 ships (GP: F-598/599 ?) ordered by 2015, to be delivered by 2020/2021 or, at the worse, finally not ordered or ordered but with a modified design (AAW enhanced) to replace ageing “Durand de la Penne” ???
18 Corvettes/OPV (to drop to +/- 15 by early 2020’s)
8 “Minerva”:
(Minerva, Danaide, Urania, Sfinge, Driade, Chimera, Fenice, Sibilla), 1280 tons,commissioned by 1987/1989, with probable +/- 30 years service life expected, to be retired around 2017/2022.
4 “Cassiopea”
(Cassiopea, Libra, Spica, Vega), 1475 tons OPV, commissioned 1989/1991. With probable 25/30 years service life, to be retired by 2014/2021. I think that it is probable that this 4 “Cassiopea” and the 8 “Minerva” (all from the same 1987/1991 era), will be maybe replaced by a new single common class ? (OPV ?) of only 6/10 new ships.
2 “Sirio”:
(Sirio, Orione), 1500 tons OPV, commissioned by 2003/2004. With probable +/- 30 years service life, to be replaced around 2033.
4 “Comandanti”: (Comandante cigala fulgosi, comandante Borsini, comandante Bettica, comandante Foscari), 1500 tons OPV, slightly improved and stealthier version of Sirio, commissioned 2002/2004, with probable 30 years service life expected, to be replaced around 2033.
It is very likely that around 2033, the 6 ships of the “Sirio/Commandanti” class’s will be replaced by a new single/common advanced design.
4 “Esploratore”:
(Esploratore, Sentinella, Vedetta, staffeta), commissioned by 1998/2000. Likely to be replaced by 2020/2025.
12 Minewespeer (toward only 6 to 8 by mid 2020’s ?)
4 “Lerici”:
(Lerici, Sapri, Milazzo, Vieste), 620 tons, commissioned by 1985, with probable 30 years service life, to be retired by mid 2010’s decade, very likely without replacement.
8 “Gaeta”:
(Gaeta, Termilo, Alghero, Numana, Crotone, Viareggio, Chioggia, Rimini), 700 tons, slightly improved Lerici, commissioned 1994/1996, with probable 30 years service life, to be retired by 2024/2026 and likely to be replaced by 6 to 8 new modular/flexible ships.
Amphibious Fleet (Fewer and bigger "gator's" by late 2010’s)
3 “San Giorgo”:
(San Giorgo, San Marco, San Giusto), 8000 tons light LPD/LHD, commissioned 1987/1994, with probable 25+ years service life expected, to be retired around 2014/2018 and replaced by 2 new and bigger 20 000 tons LHD.
+/- 36 Small landings crafts:
- 2 “appoggio incursori », 97 tons, Mario Marina, Alcide Pedretti
- 9 “MTM 217”, 65 tons
- 5 “LCM”, 56 tons
- 20 “MTP 96”, 14 tons (LCVP type)
6 Submarines (maybe down to 4 by late 2010’s…)
2 “Todaro”:
(Salvatore Todaro, Sciré), German type 212 design, commissioned by 2006/2007. 2 more were planned by 2013/2014 to replace ageing Sauro (III or IV or both ?).
2 “Sauro IV”:
(Primo Longobardo, Gianfranco Gazzana Priaroggia), commissioned by 1993. To be replaced (or not...) by early 2020's.
2 “Sauro III”:
(Salvatore Pelosi, Guilano Prini), commissioned by 1987/1988. To be retired by mid/late 2010's and replaced by the 2 newer expected type 212 SSK.
3 Fleet tanker:
1 "Etna":
"Etna", 13400 tons, commissioned by 1998, to be retired around 2028.
2 "Stromboli":
"Stromboli", "Vesuvio", commissioned by 1976/1979. To be retired during 2010's and replaced by 2 new fleet tanker (very likely a much improved "Etna" design)
12 Small transports ships
4 "Panarea " (Diesel/oil small tanker):
(Panarea, Linosa, Favignana, Salina).
2 "Ticino" (Water transports):
(Ticino, Tirso).
6 "Gorgona" (Coastal Vehicle transport ships):
(Gorgona, Tremiti, Caprera, Pantelleria, Lipari, Capri)
2 special ships
1 "Anteo" (Submarine rescue & salvage ship)
Anteo, 3500 tons, commissioned by 1980. Expected to be retired during the 2010’s and replaced by a new ships.
1 "Elettra" (Electronic warfare ship)
Elettra, 2960 tons, commissioned by 2003.
3 Trials ships
2 Trials ships of 330 tons
(Rosseti, Martelota), commissioned by 1986.
1 Weapons test ships
Ex ageing frigate Carabinieri (alpine class), likely to be retired after extensive weapons/sensors test.
3 Hydrographic/oceanographic vessels
2 “Ninfe” class
(Aretusa, Galatea)
1 “Magnaghi” class
(Magnago)
Training ships:
4 Small navigational training ships
177 tons, ex ageing (1957) small coastal minewespeer converted (Astice, Mitilo, Porpora, Murena).
4 Sailing training ships
various design and displacements: Amerigo Vespucci, Palinuro, Stela, Italia, Orsa maggiore, Capricia.
+/- 35 Tugs (estimations)
8 ocean tugs
6 "Ciclope" class, 660 tons and 2 "Atlas" class, 750 tons.
11 harbour tugs
9 "Porto" class, 412 tons and 2 "Ischia" class, 297 tons.
32 small harbor tugs
32 "RP" class, 76/120 tons.
5 Auxiliary support fleet ships:
5 “Ponza” class
(Ponza, Levanzo, Tavolaro, Palmaria, Procida), 580 tons, commissioned by 1988/1990.
----- Guardia Costiera (Italian Coast Guards)-----
6 Patrol boat
1 Saettia class
(Saettia), 393 tons.
5 Diciotti class
Slightly improved “Saettia class” (Diciotti, Dattilo, Fiorillo, Peluso, Corsi), 395 tons.
9 Small patrol boats
4 Cavallari class
(Cavallari, Pennetti, Fachin, Magliano)
4 Scialoja class
(Mazzinghi, Scialoja, Lolini, Grabar)
1 Ingianni class
(Ingianni)
+/- 225 small Motor boats, 6-15 tons range (estimations)
(51 class CP 2083; 65 class CP 542; 2 class CP 601; 12 class CP 702; 13 class CP 803; 25 class CP 816; 9 class CP 830 Guibileo; 48 class CP 841).
+/- 50 inshore/midshore patrol boats, 16-50 tons range (estimations)
(5 class CP 2203; 6 class CP 255; 4 class CP 262: 28 class CP 271 AGA; 4 class CP 318; 3 class CP 456).
+/- 212 RHIB (estimations)
184 class GC 166; 28 class GC A01
Guardia Costiera: Naval aviation (estimations)
+/- 11 helico
(SAR: 9 AB 412, 2 AW 139)
+/- 10 maritime patrol aircraft
(7 P 166; 3 ATR 42)
-----Carabinieri (Military police)-----
Severals RHIB, Zodiac & small patrol boats (CC 267, CC 614, CC 623, CC 627, CC 630, CC 710, CC 807, CC 814, CC 820, CC 822, EI G 321, PS 1063, N 521, N 705…).
-----Guardia di Finanza (Finance guards)-----
Various small patrols boats, RHIB.
-----Polizia di Stato (state police)-----
Various RHIB and small patrols boats (PS 489, 498, 545, 554, 1062, P86…)
If larger units (destroyers/frigates/corvettes) will see their numbers lowered (and their sizes grow). We too easily forget that the Italian Navy has a considerable number of small units (Off-shore patrol vessels, Mid-shore patrol vessels, In-shore patrol vessels…).
These small units, extremely effective in small/shallow/restricted Mediterranean seas (Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian sea), represent a great advantage for the Italian Navy against low end threats (Drugs, smugglers, traffics, illegal immigrants, terrorists).
Next editorial : Future of the US light surface combatant force.
It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistales ?), then said it ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !
1 “Cavour” class aircraft carrier:
"Cavour", 27 000 tons, cost +/- 1,5 € billion (+/- 2 $ billion). Commissioned by 2009, with probably +/- 33/35 years service life, to be retired by 2040/2044.
1 “Guiseppe Garibaldi” class aircraft carrier:
“Guiseppe Garibaldi”, 13 000 tons, commissioned by 1985, with +/- 30 years service life, to be retired around 2015 and replaced by a new 20 000 tons LHA (same design as the 2 new expected LHD but with much more enhanced aviation capabilities= F-35 full capable).
Naval Aviation (very concerned by the F-35…”saga”/problems/cost):
Aircrafts:
- 17 ageing AV-8B harriers (15 front line aircrafts, 2 training aircrafts) to be replaced by 22 newer F-35B (with 150/200 million € per copy = around 3,3/4,4+ € billion, a considerable effort from Italian finances….).
- Older maritime patrol aircraft already retired. Likely to be replaced in future by UAV.
+/- 108 Helico:
- 56 NH 90 (46 ASW, 10 transports) in order
- 22 EH 101 (8 ASW, 10 ASH, 4 AEW)
- 30 AB 212
4 AAW destroyers (some doubts about 4 full AAW ships by mid 2020’s…)
2 “Orizzonte” class:
"Andrea Doria, Caio Duilio", commom 6700 tons AAW DDG design with French navy; Cost 1,5+ € billion for 2 ships. Very capable AAW ships. Commissioned by 2007/2010, with probable 30/35 years service life expected, to be retired by 2037/2045. Initially 2 others expected by early/mid 2010’s to replace +/- prematurely older “Durand de la Penne” DDG but now, serious doubt rise about the Italian capability (€/$) to build these 2 furthers expensive ships (now +/- 1 billion € per unit).
2 “Durand de la Penne”:
"Luigi Durand de la Penne, Francesco Mimbelli", 5400 tons, commissioned by 1993, with probable 30 years service life expected, to be retired by 2023. Maybe to be replaced by 2 new Orizzonte (+/- doubtful) or maybe by 2 AAW enhanced ships derived from the newer Bergamini FFG class ?, or, at the worse, not replaced (because the newer “Bergamini” have few AAW capabilities…)
12 ASW frigates (to down to 10 or at the extreme worst only 6 ? by late 2010’s)
8 “Maestrale”:
(Maestrale, Grecale, Libeccio, Scirocco, Aliseo, Euro, Espero, Zeffiro). 3100 tons, Much enlarged Artigliere design. Commissioned by 1982/1985, with +/- 30 years service life (for few ships, extended to 35+ years to last until late 2010’s), to be retired by 2012/2020.
4 “Artigliere/Lupo”:
(Artigliere, Aviere, Bersagliere, Granatiere), 2800 tons, light ASW frigates, commissioned by 1977, with probable +/- 30 years service life, to be retired very soon, all by early 2010’s.
Officially these 2 class (12 ships: 8 maestrale + 4 lupo) was expected to be replaced by :
10 newer 6000 tons “Bergamini” class FFG
(nearly common FFG frigate designed with France) in 2 models (6 “GP”= General purpose and 4 “ASW”= Anti submarine warfare), 1 ship commissioned each years from 2012 to 2021. But some serious doubts rise about the real final number of ships really to be built by 2021:
- A 1st batch of 2 ships were already under construction: “F 590 ? Bergamini”(GP), commissioned by 2012 and “F 591 ? Margottini” (ASW) by 2013.
- A 2st batch of 4 ships (3 ASW, 1 GP: F 592-595 ?), apparently a secured order, will be delivered by 2014/2017.
- A 3rd batch of 2 ships (GP: F-596/597 ?) maybe ? ordered by 2013, to be delivered by 2018/2019.
- A 4th and final batch of 2 ships (GP: F-598/599 ?) ordered by 2015, to be delivered by 2020/2021 or, at the worse, finally not ordered or ordered but with a modified design (AAW enhanced) to replace ageing “Durand de la Penne” ???
18 Corvettes/OPV (to drop to +/- 15 by early 2020’s)
8 “Minerva”:
(Minerva, Danaide, Urania, Sfinge, Driade, Chimera, Fenice, Sibilla), 1280 tons,commissioned by 1987/1989, with probable +/- 30 years service life expected, to be retired around 2017/2022.
4 “Cassiopea”
(Cassiopea, Libra, Spica, Vega), 1475 tons OPV, commissioned 1989/1991. With probable 25/30 years service life, to be retired by 2014/2021. I think that it is probable that this 4 “Cassiopea” and the 8 “Minerva” (all from the same 1987/1991 era), will be maybe replaced by a new single common class ? (OPV ?) of only 6/10 new ships.
2 “Sirio”:
(Sirio, Orione), 1500 tons OPV, commissioned by 2003/2004. With probable +/- 30 years service life, to be replaced around 2033.
4 “Comandanti”: (Comandante cigala fulgosi, comandante Borsini, comandante Bettica, comandante Foscari), 1500 tons OPV, slightly improved and stealthier version of Sirio, commissioned 2002/2004, with probable 30 years service life expected, to be replaced around 2033.
It is very likely that around 2033, the 6 ships of the “Sirio/Commandanti” class’s will be replaced by a new single/common advanced design.
4 “Esploratore”:
(Esploratore, Sentinella, Vedetta, staffeta), commissioned by 1998/2000. Likely to be replaced by 2020/2025.
12 Minewespeer (toward only 6 to 8 by mid 2020’s ?)
4 “Lerici”:
(Lerici, Sapri, Milazzo, Vieste), 620 tons, commissioned by 1985, with probable 30 years service life, to be retired by mid 2010’s decade, very likely without replacement.
8 “Gaeta”:
(Gaeta, Termilo, Alghero, Numana, Crotone, Viareggio, Chioggia, Rimini), 700 tons, slightly improved Lerici, commissioned 1994/1996, with probable 30 years service life, to be retired by 2024/2026 and likely to be replaced by 6 to 8 new modular/flexible ships.
Amphibious Fleet (Fewer and bigger "gator's" by late 2010’s)
3 “San Giorgo”:
(San Giorgo, San Marco, San Giusto), 8000 tons light LPD/LHD, commissioned 1987/1994, with probable 25+ years service life expected, to be retired around 2014/2018 and replaced by 2 new and bigger 20 000 tons LHD.
+/- 36 Small landings crafts:
- 2 “appoggio incursori », 97 tons, Mario Marina, Alcide Pedretti
- 9 “MTM 217”, 65 tons
- 5 “LCM”, 56 tons
- 20 “MTP 96”, 14 tons (LCVP type)
6 Submarines (maybe down to 4 by late 2010’s…)
2 “Todaro”:
(Salvatore Todaro, Sciré), German type 212 design, commissioned by 2006/2007. 2 more were planned by 2013/2014 to replace ageing Sauro (III or IV or both ?).
2 “Sauro IV”:
(Primo Longobardo, Gianfranco Gazzana Priaroggia), commissioned by 1993. To be replaced (or not...) by early 2020's.
2 “Sauro III”:
(Salvatore Pelosi, Guilano Prini), commissioned by 1987/1988. To be retired by mid/late 2010's and replaced by the 2 newer expected type 212 SSK.
3 Fleet tanker:
1 "Etna":
"Etna", 13400 tons, commissioned by 1998, to be retired around 2028.
2 "Stromboli":
"Stromboli", "Vesuvio", commissioned by 1976/1979. To be retired during 2010's and replaced by 2 new fleet tanker (very likely a much improved "Etna" design)
12 Small transports ships
4 "Panarea " (Diesel/oil small tanker):
(Panarea, Linosa, Favignana, Salina).
2 "Ticino" (Water transports):
(Ticino, Tirso).
6 "Gorgona" (Coastal Vehicle transport ships):
(Gorgona, Tremiti, Caprera, Pantelleria, Lipari, Capri)
2 special ships
1 "Anteo" (Submarine rescue & salvage ship)
Anteo, 3500 tons, commissioned by 1980. Expected to be retired during the 2010’s and replaced by a new ships.
1 "Elettra" (Electronic warfare ship)
Elettra, 2960 tons, commissioned by 2003.
3 Trials ships
2 Trials ships of 330 tons
(Rosseti, Martelota), commissioned by 1986.
1 Weapons test ships
Ex ageing frigate Carabinieri (alpine class), likely to be retired after extensive weapons/sensors test.
3 Hydrographic/oceanographic vessels
2 “Ninfe” class
(Aretusa, Galatea)
1 “Magnaghi” class
(Magnago)
Training ships:
4 Small navigational training ships
177 tons, ex ageing (1957) small coastal minewespeer converted (Astice, Mitilo, Porpora, Murena).
4 Sailing training ships
various design and displacements: Amerigo Vespucci, Palinuro, Stela, Italia, Orsa maggiore, Capricia.
+/- 35 Tugs (estimations)
8 ocean tugs
6 "Ciclope" class, 660 tons and 2 "Atlas" class, 750 tons.
11 harbour tugs
9 "Porto" class, 412 tons and 2 "Ischia" class, 297 tons.
32 small harbor tugs
32 "RP" class, 76/120 tons.
5 Auxiliary support fleet ships:
5 “Ponza” class
(Ponza, Levanzo, Tavolaro, Palmaria, Procida), 580 tons, commissioned by 1988/1990.
----- Guardia Costiera (Italian Coast Guards)-----
6 Patrol boat
1 Saettia class
(Saettia), 393 tons.
5 Diciotti class
Slightly improved “Saettia class” (Diciotti, Dattilo, Fiorillo, Peluso, Corsi), 395 tons.
9 Small patrol boats
4 Cavallari class
(Cavallari, Pennetti, Fachin, Magliano)
4 Scialoja class
(Mazzinghi, Scialoja, Lolini, Grabar)
1 Ingianni class
(Ingianni)
+/- 225 small Motor boats, 6-15 tons range (estimations)
(51 class CP 2083; 65 class CP 542; 2 class CP 601; 12 class CP 702; 13 class CP 803; 25 class CP 816; 9 class CP 830 Guibileo; 48 class CP 841).
+/- 50 inshore/midshore patrol boats, 16-50 tons range (estimations)
(5 class CP 2203; 6 class CP 255; 4 class CP 262: 28 class CP 271 AGA; 4 class CP 318; 3 class CP 456).
+/- 212 RHIB (estimations)
184 class GC 166; 28 class GC A01
Guardia Costiera: Naval aviation (estimations)
+/- 11 helico
(SAR: 9 AB 412, 2 AW 139)
+/- 10 maritime patrol aircraft
(7 P 166; 3 ATR 42)
-----Carabinieri (Military police)-----
Severals RHIB, Zodiac & small patrol boats (CC 267, CC 614, CC 623, CC 627, CC 630, CC 710, CC 807, CC 814, CC 820, CC 822, EI G 321, PS 1063, N 521, N 705…).
-----Guardia di Finanza (Finance guards)-----
Various small patrols boats, RHIB.
-----Polizia di Stato (state police)-----
Various RHIB and small patrols boats (PS 489, 498, 545, 554, 1062, P86…)
If larger units (destroyers/frigates/corvettes) will see their numbers lowered (and their sizes grow). We too easily forget that the Italian Navy has a considerable number of small units (Off-shore patrol vessels, Mid-shore patrol vessels, In-shore patrol vessels…).
These small units, extremely effective in small/shallow/restricted Mediterranean seas (Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian sea), represent a great advantage for the Italian Navy against low end threats (Drugs, smugglers, traffics, illegal immigrants, terrorists).
Next editorial : Future of the US light surface combatant force.
It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistales ?), then said it ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !
Not unlike the situation with the US. Easy to forget that the Coast Guard is a substantial force for the low end conflicts.
ReplyDeleteAt least in terms of personnel, it is the size of the French or British Navy.
(Still a little short on nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.)
Hi Chuck
ReplyDeleteNo fears
In my next edito, I no forget the US Coast Guard fleet....
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteTodaro 3 and 4 are being built already, not just planned, first steel was cut in December 2009.
They will indeed replace the third batch of Sauro boats.
Cheers
Lorenzo
Thanks for this detail Lorenzo
ReplyDelete