Italian Navy's amphibious assault ship Trieste at sea. (Image grab via @Leonardo_IT/X)
In a historic milestone for Italy, the Italian Navy has officially commissioned its newest and largest warship since World War II, the Trieste.
Built by the renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship represents a major leap forward in Italy’s naval capabilities. With its state-of-the-art design, cutting-edge weaponry, and versatile mission profile, the Trieste promises to play a pivotal role in both national defense and regional stability.
Let’s look closer at the Italian Navy’s recently commissioned ship.
A Ship Decades in the Making
The Trieste was conceived as part of a 1.1 billion euros (approximately $1.22 billion in 2015) deal in 2015, reflecting Italy’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces. Construction began shortly after the contract was signed, and the vessel was launched in May 2019.
Over the next few years, the Trieste underwent extensive testing and outfitting to ensure it met the rigorous standards of a modern naval vessel.
On December 7, 2024, the Italian Navy proudly welcomed the Trieste into its fleet during a commissioning ceremony held at the Port of Livorno.
La nuova Unità è una nave d’assalto anfibio multiruolo con capacità aerea, anfibia e sanitaria.
Dopo un intenso periodo di costruzione… pic.twitter.com/KjPUSD1Pm8
In a historic milestone for Italy, the Italian Navy has officially commissioned its newest and largest warship since World War II, the Trieste.
Built by the renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship represents a major leap forward in Italy’s naval capabilities. With its state-of-the-art design, cutting-edge weaponry, and versatile mission profile, the Trieste promises to play a pivotal role in both national defense and regional stability.
Let’s look closer at the Italian Navy’s recently commissioned ship.
A Ship Decades in the Making
The Trieste was conceived as part of a 1.1 billion euros (approximately $1.22 billion in 2015) deal in 2015, reflecting Italy’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces. Construction began shortly after the contract was signed, and the vessel was launched in May 2019.
Over the next few years, the Trieste underwent extensive testing and outfitting to ensure it met the rigorous standards of a modern naval vessel.
On December 7, 2024, the Italian Navy proudly welcomed the Trieste into its fleet during a commissioning ceremony held at the Port of Livorno.
La nuova Unità è una nave d’assalto anfibio multiruolo con capacità aerea, anfibia e sanitaria.
Dopo un intenso periodo di costruzione… pic.twitter.com/KjPUSD1Pm8
The event, attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Luciano Portolano, and Navy Chief Admiral Enrico Credendino, underscored the ship’s significance to Italy’s defense strategy.
The ceremony also featured an oath-taking by first-class officer cadets from the Naval Academy, symbolizing the ship’s role in shaping the future of the Italian Navy.
La #NaveTrieste, unità navale d’assalto anfibio multiruolo (LHD – Landing Helicopter Dock), che entra a far parte della flotta della @ItalianNavy, integra una vasta gamma di soluzioni tecnologiche avanzate fornite da #Leonardo, mirate a ottimizzarne le capacità operative.… pic.twitter.com/OqypRsYRnc
The Trieste is a flagship example of Italy’s technological prowess, blending versatility, power, and innovation into a single platform.
Size and Capacity: With a displacement of 36,770 tons and an overall length of 245 meters (804 feet), the Trieste is one of the largest amphibious assault ships in the world.
Its 36-meter (118-foot) beam provides ample space for a range of operations, and it can accommodate up to 1,064 personnel, including crew and embarked soldiers.
Propulsion and Speed: Powered by a combined diesel-electric or gas propulsion system, the Trieste can reach speeds of 25 knots (29 miles/46 kilometers per hour), ensuring swift deployment in diverse operational scenarios.
Armaments:
Three 76/62 cannons for surface threats.
Three remote-controlled 25/80 machine guns for close-in defense.
Provisions for two vertical launch systems capable of carrying 16 anti-air missiles, offering robust aerial protection.
Advanced Systems:
A decoy launcher to counter incoming threats.
A Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) for non-lethal deterrence and enhanced defense.
Versatility for Modern Naval Missions
The Trieste is a Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) vessel designed for amphibious operations, air support, and humanitarian missions. Its versatility allows it to project power across a range of scenarios:
Amphibious Operations: With the ability to deploy troops, vehicles, and equipment directly to shore, the Trieste is a cornerstone of Italy’s rapid response capabilities.
Aerial Support: The ship’s expansive flight deck can accommodate helicopters and potentially future-generation aircraft, extending its operational reach.
Humanitarian Assistance: The Trieste is also equipped for disaster relief and evacuation missions, underscoring its dual-purpose role in both military and civilian contexts.
Strategic Importance to Italy and the Region
The commissioning of the Trieste signals Italy’s intent to remain a key player in regional and global maritime security. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Italy faces diverse challenges, including migration crises, regional instability, and great-power competition.
The Trieste enhances the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to these challenges, bolstering Italy’s defense posture and contributing to NATO and European Union missions.
Final Thoughts: A Symbol of Italian Innovation
The Trieste is more than just a warship; it is a testament to Italy’s maritime heritage and its forward-looking defense strategy. As the largest vessel to join the Italian Navy in nearly 80 years, it embodies the nation’s commitment to innovation, security, and global cooperation.
With its modern design and multifaceted capabilities, the Trieste is set to become a flagship of the Italian Navy, demonstrating the nation’s ability to adapt to the evolving demands of maritime warfare and humanitarian assistance.
In the years to come, this remarkable vessel will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in safeguarding Italy’s interests and promoting stability in the Mediterranean and beyond.
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