Anti-submarine warfare exercise for FREMM frigates Alpino and Margottini with French frigate Languedoc.

On 6 - 7 March, in the waters of Central Mediterranean, the Italian FREMM frigates Alpino and Margottini took part in an Antisubmarine Warfare Exercise with frigate Languedoc of the Marine Nationale. Focus of the drill was the undertaking of a blockade against submarine Venuti, acting as opposing force. Besides organic helicopters, a French ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft from Sigonella and a SH101 ASW helicopter from Maristaeli Catania was also involved in the exercise.
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Alpino F 594 is a Carlo Bergamini-class frigate Alpino (Picture source: Twitter)

On 6 - 7 March, in the waters of Central Mediterranean, the Italian FREMM frigates Alpino and Margottini took part in an Antisubmarine Warfare Exercise with frigate Languedoc of the Marine Nationale. Focus of the drill was the undertaking of a blockade against submarine Venuti, acting as opposing force. Besides organic helicopters, a French ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft from Sigonella and a SH101 ASW helicopter from Maristaeli Catania was also involved in the exercise.

At the end of this training event – lasted about 48 hours - before returning to their respective areas of operations, the units conducted close kinematic manoeuvers, aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between the two European countries, and guaranteeing presence and surveillance in the waters of Central Mediterranean.

The effectiveness of modern anti-submarine sensors - on board surface units and aircraft - was enhanced by the complexity of the scenario and the challenging shallow waters environment where the activity took place. The synergy of all the actors involved created a valuable moment of professional and human growth for the crews of all units, strengthening the seafaring spirit they share.

An intense and demanding event that was much appreciated by Rear Admiral Antonio Galiuto, Tactical Commander of Operation Mare Sicuro onboard ITS Alpino, flagship of the 41st rotation.

Languedoc (D653) is an Aquitaine-class frigate of the French Navy. The Aquitaine class were developed from the FREMM multipurpose frigate program.

Alpino (F 594) is a Carlo Bergamini-class frigate of the Italian Navy. Which in turn were developed by the FREMM multipurpose frigate program.

The Carlo Margottini (F 592) is a Carlo Bergamini-class frigate in service with the Italian Navy. The design of the frigate is based on the FREMM (European multi-purpose frigate) designed by Fincantieri and Naval Group for the Italian and French Navies. The first Italian frigate was launched in July 2011 and delivered in May 2013.

The Carlo Margottini frigate is powered by a combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) propulsion system that includes one 32 MW gas turbine General Electric/Avio LM2500+G4 engine, two 2.5 MW electric motors Jeumont Electric and four diesel generators. The ship can reach a top speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) with a maximum cruising range of 6,800 nmi (12,600 km; 7,800 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

The Carlo Margottini frigate is armed with 16-cell MBDA SYLVER A50 VLS for 16 MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missiles, one Leonardo Otobreda 127/64 Vulcano, two Leonardo OTO Melara 76/62 mm Davide/Strales CIWS guns, two Leonardo Oto Melara/Oerlikon KBA 25/80 mm remote weapon systems, eight MBDA Teseo\Otomat Mk-2/A anti-ship and land-attack missiles, two triple Leonardo (WASS) B-515/3 launcher for MU 90 torpedoes, two SITEP MASS CS-424 acoustic guns and four MBDA MILAS anti-ship missiles.