Italian shipyard Intermarine (IMMSI industrial group – IMS.MI) and the Italian Ministry of Defense – Directorate of Naval Armaments (NAVARM) have entered into a framework agreement to ensure the maintenance of the operational capabilities of the minehunters of the Italian Navy.
The program for maintaining the operational capabilities of the minehunters follows the construction program for the next-generation minehunters (MCM), which will enter into service starting from 2029.
With the four-year framework agreement, Intermarine will support the Italian Navy throughout the period of transition and evolution of the national MCM fleet involved in mine countermeasures operations, protection of underwater infrastructure, and seabed control.
The value of the contract is €60 million.
According to Intermarine, under the new maintenance program, the Italian Navy’s minehunters will continue to carry out key underwater operations.
These include clearing mined areas, monitoring the seabed, and protecting critical underwater infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines and maritime data networks.
The vessels will also support the protection of cultural heritage and the marine environment. These operations will take place both in Italy and internationally.
The agreement helps ensure the continued readiness and effectiveness of this specialized fleet.
To remind, in July last year, Intermarine and defense company Leonardo were contracted to provide the Italian Navy with five next-generation minehunters. With a length of approximately 63 meters and a displacement of approximately 1,300 tonnes, the minehunters will be distinguished by their capacity for conducting mine countermeasures operations inside the minefields.