Digital Battlespace

Italian OPV to include BLoS communications equipment

3rd November 2020 - 08:00 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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Vessel to be commissioned in 2022; three others may follow

Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) has signed a contract with Italian shipbuilder Cantiere Navale Vittoria to equip a new OPV for the Guardia di Finanza with external BLoS communications systems.

M3SR Series4100 HF radios, M3SR Series4400 VHF/UHF radios and a dedicated Coast Guard data link (an expansion of the information and communications system) will enable authorities to monitor these large coastal areas, R&S announced on 3 November.

As noted by Shephard Defence Insight, R&S M3SR offers radio communications in line with NATO standards.

Cantiere Navale Vittoria was awarded a €32.4 million contract in June to build a single 60m OPV with electric auxiliary engines for low emissions and reduced consumption, plus the option for three more vessels.

The delivery of the new OPV is expected by the end of 2021, for commissioning in 2022.

Guardia di Finanza is the law enforcement arm of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance.

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