Italy’s Guardia di Finanza gets first P-72Bs
Leonardo delivered two ATR 72-600 maritime patrol aircraft to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza at the company's Caselle Torinese facility on 27 November.
These are the first two of four ATR 72-600s on order, all of which will be equipped with Leonardo’s modular Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission system.
Designated P-72B in Italian service, the fleet will support dedicated surveillance activities carried out by the Guardia di Finanza, including air-sea patrol and research missions, counter drug trafficking, piracy, smuggling and preventing any illegal action in territorial waters.
The aircraft’s on-board sensors can identify sensitive objects, monitor their behaviour, acquire evidence, and lead the intervention of naval units and land patrols.
The ATOS system manages a wide range of aircraft sensors, combining the information received in an overall tactical situation and presenting the results to the operators of the mission system in the most suitable format, providing a high level and constantly updated scenario.
Deliveries will be completed by 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.