Istalia

[XanderOne]

Towards the return of Istalian naval power

The new missile guided frigate "Audace" represents the recovery for our shipbuilding industry aimed to come back to be an excellence of the country

Nave Audace ready for the launch next to Nave Indomito under construction

January 5630

NEAPULIA - With solemn majesty and amid the enthusiasm of an entire nation, the first multi-role missile guided frigate developed and built under the aegis of the Imperial State was launched today in Neapulia: "Nave Audace". Symbol of the rebirth of Istalian shipbuilding, traditionally one of the nation's industries of greatest excellence, the launch marked a historic moment for the country.

The event was attended by the Emperor himself, guest of honor of the ceremony, accompanied by the highest officials of the State and the Armed Forces. The launch of Nave Audace is not only the baptism of a new warship, but represents the first stone in the construction of a Navy destined to return among the most advanced in the world.

The eight multi-role missile frigates ordered by the Navy will be fitted out in the following configurations: four for anti-submarine warfare, two for air defense and two more will be general purpose versions. They will form the first nucleus of a renewed fleet, designed with a futuristic vision and particular attention to the needs of modern conflicts, which the Imperial Navy aims to make reach in the next 25/30 years between 80 and 90 units, to which several submarines will be added.

These ships represent a technological leap forward compared to the units that survived the Peninsula War. The Audace class is characterized by a displacement of about 6,700 tons, a length of 144 meters, a speed of over 27 knots and a range of about 6,000 nautical miles. The crew is composed of about 200 members, with the possibility of hosting additional personnel. The Audace, specialized in anti-submarine warfare, is equipped with sophisticated anti-submarine sonars, a variable depth towed one and one in the bulb of the vessel, torpedoes and an anti-torpedo system with acoustic decoys. The armament, managed by an advanced integrated combat information system, includes a 16-cell VLS with medium-long range air defence missiles associated with a 3D active multifunctional radar, and expandable with another 16 cells, anti-ship missiles with a range of over 200 km, a 127/64 mm gun with guided ammunition, two 76/62 mm guns also optimised for anti-missile defence, as well as 25 mm machine gun emplacements for close protection. The Audace Class is also equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems, including an active electronically scanned array AESA radar for air defence and target detection, the medium to long-range air and surface surveillance multibeam passive electronically scanned array 3D navigation radar, and sophisticated electronic countermeasures such as a fully integrated Electronic Warfare system for protection against hostile missiles and radars. The air capability is guaranteed by a large flight deck and hangars capable of hosting up to two helicopters, essential for anti-submarine and reconnaissance operations.
The new class of ships will be a testing ground for the development and testing of new naval technologies, paving the way for future advances in the field of maritime defense. The highly modularity adopted by the project will allow for upgrade, such as the already foreseen future replacement of the sensors masts with new under developement radar and sensor systems.

Among the speeches that marked the day, Gran Prince of Crown Tommaso, lieutenant of the Navy and currently assigned to service aboard the destroyer Enrico Bergson, underlined the essential role of the Navy for national defense. Recalling the exploits of the glorious Istalian Navy, he recalled legendary figures such as Alessandro Senna, one of the founding fathers of Istalian naval power, and the epic battles that have marked the history of the country, such as the War in Hulstria against the then inhuman supremacist regime.

Today therefore marks not only the return of Istalian naval power, but also a renewed commitment to reaffirming the nation's maritime prestige. With Nave Audace, a new era opens, in which the seas will once again see the proud units of the Imperial Istalian Navy ploughing the waves.