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**Italian Navy Commissions New Trieste-Class Landing Helicopter Dock Vessel**
The Italian Navy has taken a significant step forward in modernizing its fleet with the commissioning of the new Trieste-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) vessel, a state-of-the-art warship designed to enhance Italy's amphibious, humanitarian, and power projection capabilities. Officially named *Trieste* (L9890), this advanced vessel represents a major milestone in Italy's naval strategy and underscores the country's commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile maritime force.
### A New Era for the Italian Navy
The *Trieste* is the largest and most technologically advanced ship in the Italian Navy's fleet, surpassing even the aircraft carrier *Cavour* in size. Built by Fincantieri, one of the world's leading shipbuilding companies, the vessel was launched in 2019 and underwent extensive sea trials before its official commissioning in 2023. The ship is part of Italy's broader naval modernization program, which aims to replace aging vessels and ensure the Navy is equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
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. This hybrid design allows the vessel to perform a wide range of missions, from amphibious operations and disaster relief to command-and-control and medical support.
### Key Features and Capabilities
The *Trieste* boasts an impressive array of features that make it one of the most versatile ships in the Italian Navy. Key specifications and capabilities include:
1. **Size and Displacement**: The ship measures 245 meters in length, with a full-load displacement of approximately 33,000 tons. This makes it one of the largest LHDs in Europe.
2. **Flight Deck and Hangar**: The *Trieste* features a full-length flight deck capable of accommodating a variety of rotary-wing aircraft, including EH101, NH90, and AW129 helicopters. The ship is also designed to support the operation of F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, further enhancing its versatility.
3. **Well Deck**: The ship includes a well deck that can house and deploy landing craft, amphibious vehicles, and other equipment essential for beach landings. This capability is crucial for amphibious assault operations and humanitarian missions.
4. **Troop and Vehicle Capacity**: The *Trieste* can carry up to 1,000 troops and a wide range of vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and trucks. This makes it a formidable platform for power projection and rapid response.
5. **Medical Facilities**: The ship is equipped with a fully functional hospital, complete with operating rooms, intensive care units, and a dental clinic. This capability is invaluable for humanitarian missions and disaster relief operations.
6. **Advanced Technology**:
