ITS Nave Duilio, implementing the self-defense principle, shot down a drone in the Red Sea this afternoon.
The drone, with similar characteristics to those already used in previous attacks, was about 6 kilometers from the Italian ship, flying towards it.
According to what Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on the Rete 4 program “Stasera Italia”, the ship used “seven or eight 76 mm rounds to intercept the drone”.
Nave Duilio has replaced the ITS Martinengo in the national activity to guarantee freedom of navigation and the security of trade routes, which began at the end of December, following attacks by Houthi militiamen against traffic sailing in the Strait of Bab-el Mandeb.
The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, underlined that: “the terrorist attacks by the Houthis are a serious violation of international law and an attack on the safety of maritime traffic on which our economy depends. These attacks are part of a hybrid war, which uses every possibility, not just military, to damage some countries and facilitate others .”
ITS Caio Duilio
The guided-missile destroyer Caio Duilio with its Eurosam PAAMS-E ( Principal Anti-Air Missile System – Empar ) air defense missile system with six 8 – cell Naval Group Sylver A50 vertical launch groups (VLS ) for a total of 48 missiles of the Aster family (15 and 30) produced by MBDA, C2 and the multifunctional 3D radar EMPAR SPY-790 developed and produced by Selex Sistemi Integrati (now Leonardo), together with the radar for distant air detection (LRR, Long Range Radar ) 3D BAE Systems/Thales S1850M , will ensure the defense of escorted commercial and military units in the area against multiple and simultaneous missile and air threats in coordination with other naval units thanks to the command, control and communications systems with data link and satellite provided by Leonardo .
Defense at shorter distances is provided by three Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapid (SR) in Strales configuration supplied by Leonardo capable of using DART (Driven Ammunition Reduced Time of flight) guided ammunition with integrated fire direction system for engagement of both air and surface missile and asymmetric threats. The three cannon are managed by two Leonardo electro-optical/radar fire control systems while at closer ranges the two Leonardo Oerlikon KBA 25/80 mm machine guns can be used.
The unit is also designed to carry up to eight Teseo Mk2A anti-ship/land strike missiles and has a helicopter component capable of employing MBDA Marte Mk2/S anti-ship missiles.
Passive protection is ensured by the electronic warfare system of the Elettronica/Thales consortium with RESM/RECM systems , in addition to decoy launchers against air and underwater threats.
Cover photo: ItalianLarry