Med wins 20 million tender for vessels for the Italian army

The Med shipyard in Cervia (Ravenna) has won a tender worth over 20 million euro, issued by the Ministry of Defence, for the construction of 16 tactical surface vessels (technically called 'connectors') and related fittings, accessories, logistic support and complementary equipment, to be used in the field of sea protection.

The boats are of the raiding craft type, i.e. assault vessels that can be used for amphibious and riverine operations and fitted out for the specific needs of landing forces, combining a rigid hull with a penumatic structure. Med's defence division has designed a 9-metre boat, capable of carrying 10 people, with an aluminium hull, inboard engines that reach a speed of 45 knots, and is airworthy and heli-transportable, and allows for easy disembarkation thanks to its openable sides.

Med, says Marco Galimberti, CEO of the company, has been awarded the contract for the supply of raiding craft for the Italian army destined for the renovation of the current tactical surface connectors; an important result for our company, achieved with the ability to be able to supply a rhib (rigid hull inflatable boat) that is innovative in its technical and outfitting solutions".

The tactical connectors, he continues, 'ensure high seaworthiness, speed and manoeuvrability in the open sea, inshore and inland waters; capacity to carry a full-equipped rifle squad, with ballistic protection. The vessels provide high landing capability, with a modular design that makes the platforms capable of providing 'national sea protection capability' and increases the operational effectiveness of the landing force. The vessels designed and built by Med defence will also be equipped with maintenance plans.

"Since 2015," Galimberti concludes, "Med has supplied more than 150 units destined for the operational deployments of the Guardia di finanza, the Capitaneria di porto - Coast Guard, the Carabinieri, the Fire Brigade, the Consubim (the Italian Navy's raid group) and the Police. The company has developed skills that have generated orders, for the next three years, of more than 30 million euros for the defence and leisure market. We consider this new order a challenge, which strengthens the role of our Cervia shipyard in the military nautical sector".