**Italian Navy Commissions Advanced Landing Helicopter Dock Ship "Trieste"**
The Italian Navy has taken a significant step forward in modernizing its fleet with the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, *Trieste*. Officially entering service in 2023, the *Trieste* represents a major milestone in Italy's naval capabilities, combining advanced technology, versatility, and power projection to meet the demands of modern maritime operations. This article explores the features, capabilities, and strategic importance of the *Trieste* for the Italian Navy and its role in global maritime security.
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### **A New Flagship for the Italian Navy**
The *Trieste* (L9890) is the largest and most advanced ship ever built for the Italian Navy, surpassing even the aircraft carrier *Cavour* in size. Constructed by Fincantieri, one of the world's leading shipbuilding companies, the vessel was launched in 2019 and underwent extensive sea trials before being commissioned in 2023. The ship is named after the northeastern Italian city of Trieste, a historic maritime hub, symbolizing Italy's enduring connection to the sea.
At 245 meters in length, with a displacement of approximately 33,000 tons, the *Trieste* is a formidable presence on the water. Its design reflects a multipurpose approach, enabling it to perform a wide range of missions, from amphibious assault and disaster relief to humanitarian assistance and power projection. The ship is expected to serve as a flagship for the Italian Navy, enhancing its ability to operate in both NATO and international missions.
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### **Cutting-Edge Features and Capabilities**
The *Trieste* is classified as a Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), a type of amphibious assault ship that combines the capabilities of a helicopter carrier and a dock landing ship. Its advanced features make it one of the most versatile vessels in the Italian Navy's arsenal:
#### **1. Aviation Capabilities**
The *Trieste* boasts a 230-meter-long flight deck with six helicopter landing spots, capable of accommodating a variety of rotary-wing aircraft, including the EH101, NH90, and AW101 helicopters. The ship is also designed to support the operation of F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter jets, making it a potential platform for fixed-wing operations in the future.
#### **2. Amphibious Operations**
The ship's well deck can house and deploy amphibious vehicles, landing craft, and hovercraft, enabling the rapid transport of troops and equipment to shore. This capability is critical for amphibious assault missions, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief operations.
#### **3. Command and Control**
Equipped with advanced communication and command systems, the *Trieste* serves as a floating command center for joint and multinational operations. Its state-of-the-art Combat Management System (CMS) integrates data from various sensors and platforms,
