Armée Italienne/Forze Armate Italiane

Citation :

Italy deploys AMX fighter aircraft and Predator RPA in Trapani amid security concerns with Libya

Italy’s Defense Ministry has ordered the deployment of four AMX fighter aircraft and one Predator drone to its Birgi base near Trapani, Sicily, amid concerns over the situation in Libya, the General Staff said. According to the statement, "the decision was taken following the recent developments in the area of the countries of North Africa and the consequent deterioration of the security conditions."


The decision, the statement added, was part of the Italian government's strategy in the Mediterranean to "protect national interests" and ensure "coherent levels of security."

The fighter aircraft was deployed at Trapani, a city in northwestern Sicily. AMX is a ground attack aircraft effective in visual and marginal weather conditions, with primary roles in long range strike and air interdiction, close air support, reconnaissance and armed patrol.

Military sources quoted by ANSA news agency said the objective of the deployed aircraft was to monitor the area.

The AMX International AMX is a ground-attack aircraft for battlefield interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance missions. It was built until 1999 by AMX International, an Italian-Brazilian joint venture. The Italian Air Force currently operates 43 A-11B (originally AMX ACOL) and 12 TA-11B (originally AMX-T ACOL).





http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2016/january/2305-italy-deploys-amx-fighter-aircraft-and-predator-rpa-in-trapani-amid-security-concerns-with-libya.html

Citation :

SNA 2016: UK France Italy and Spain Said to be Interested in Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

By Xavier Vavasseur
A number of European countries have shown interest in the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, Navy Recognition has learned during the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) National Symposium held last week near Washington DC. Among them are the UK, France, Italy and Spain.

"If international partners orders can be added to the US order as part of Multi Year 3, it could drive the V-22 price down" said John R. Parker, Senior Manager, Tiltrotor Global Sales & Marketing at Boeing. Navy Recognition understands that the idea is that if these European countries can pool their orders with the USMC and US Navy upcoming orders, there is a good chance that the tiltrotor aircraft would become affordable to them.

"In the case of the UK and France, the interest is coming from the Navy" according to Parker. The Royal Navy and Marine Nationale are likely looking for an aircraft to conduct Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) missions. The UK Navy is set to commissions two new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) in 2017 and HMS Prince of Wales (R09) in 2020. The French Navy operates one nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, but doesn't have COD aircraft. Back in June 2011 two US Navy C-2A(R) Greyhounds from VRC-40 conducted COD missions for the French aircraft carrier operating in the Mediterranean Sea during the NATO intervention in Libya.

Contacted by Navy Recognition, a public affairs officer from Naval Air Systems Command (managing the V-22 program) said in an email: "There is an upcoming trip to Europe for Government to Government discussions. However, at this point, there are no details which can be released."

As we reported during Sea Air Space 2015, the US Navy is set to procure 48 Ospreys for Sea Based Logistics (including COD), Personnel recovery (including SAR) and Special warfare (with US Navy Seals) missions. The US Navy is studying options to increase the range of the legacy V-22. The likely solution will be to increase the size of the external sponsons to fit more fuel inside. This would be the only physical difference with legacy V-22. The official Navy designation has yet to be selected.



http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3475

Citation :

Sollicitée par la France, l’Italie engagera des hélicoptères et 130 militaires de plus dans de la coalition anti-Daesh


Posté dans Forces aériennes, Moyen-Orient, Opérations par Laurent Lagneau Le 03-02-2016  



Comme les autres membres de l’Union européenne, l’Italie apporta son soutien à la France qui, au lendemain des attentats de Paris et de Saint-Denis, avait fait jouer l’article 42.7 du Traité de Lisbonne, lequel prévoit une clause de solidarité en cas d’agression.

« La France souhaite demander à ses partenaires européens leur appui – à titre bilatéral -  dans la mesure de leurs moyens, dans la lutte contre Daesh en Irak et en Syrie, et une participation militaire accrue de la part des Etats membres dans les théâtres d’opération où la France est déployée », avait expliqué Jean-Yves Le Drian, le ministre français de la Défense.

Depuis, une annonce de Rome était attendue. Et certains éditorialistes ont montré quelques signes d’impatience, comme celui du Corriere della Sera, l’un des quotidiens les plus lus dans la péninsule. En effet, Angelo Panebianco a ainsi accusé le président du Conseil italien, Matteo Renzi, d’avoir « de fait pris ses distances avec François Hollande en lui refusant le soutien militaire » qu’il demandait.

Seulement, encore fallait-il des précisions sur la nature de l’engagement militaire que Paris attendait de Rome. « Je ne connais aucune demande de la part de la France à laquelle l’Italie n’aurait pas répondu », avait rétorqué Paolo Gentiloni, le ministre italien des Affaires étrangères, à l’éditorialiste du Corriere della Sera.

Plus de deux mois après les attentats de Paris, l’aide militaire italienne a enfin été précisée. Ainsi, la ministre de la Défense, Roberta Pinotti, a annoncé, ce 3 février, l’envoi d’hélicoptères et de 130 soldats supplémentaires à Erbil, dans le Kurdistan irakien, pour une mission de Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). Toutefois, le lieu de ce déploiement n’est pas définitif.

« Les Américains évaluent la possibilité de déplacer en Turquie » ce détachement afin de « pouvoir intervenir en Syrie », a précisé Mme Pinotti. « Il s’agit d’un engagement nouveau et significatif de l’Italie dans la lutte contre le terrorisme », a-t-elle ajouté.

L’Italie est déjà membre de la coalition anti-Daesh, avec son opération « Prima Parthica ». Cette dernière mobilise 530 militaires, dont 200 instructeurs détachés auprès des forces kurdes à Erbim e irakiennes à Bagdad ainsi que 4 avions de reconnaissance Tornado ECR, 1 avion ravitailleur KC-767 et 2 drones MALE MQ-1 Predator. Ces appareils sont tous basés au Koweït.

En outre, en décembre, Rome a annoncé le déploiement de 450 militaires supplémentaires afin d’assurer la protection du chantier concernant le barrage de Mossoul, un contrat ayant été attribué au groupe italien Trevi.

http://www.opex360.com/2016/02/03/sollicitee-par-la-france-litalie-engagera-des-helicopteres-130-militaires-de-plus-dans-de-la-coalition-anti-daesh/  

Citation :

Premier Red Flag pour les Eurofighter Typhoon


Dans Actualité Défense
Publié le 24/02/2016 à 18h04, par Guillaume Belan


Un Typhoon de l'AMI © AMI


Pour la première fois les Typhoon de l'Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) vont participer à l'exercice militaire aérien "Red Flag", impliquant plusieurs pays alliés des États-Unis. La manœuvre se déroule à partir de la base aérienne de Nellis, dans le désert du Nevada. Les huit Eurofighter italiens ont décollé en formation de la base de Grosseto, en Toscane. Il s'agit plus précisément des appareils du 4ème, 36ème et 37ème Stormo, escadrons basés respectivement à Grosseto, Goia del Colle, dans les Pouilles, et de Trapani-Birgi, en Sicile. Les huit Typhoon de l'AMI étaient accompagnés de deux Boeing KC767A du 14ème Stormo de Patrica di Mare, dans le Latium, chargés d'assurer le ravitaillement en vol lors de la traversée de l'Atlantique, ainsi que de trois Hercules C-130J de la 46ª Brigata Aerea de Pise pour le transport des personnels de soutien. L'exercice multinational "Red Flag 2016-2" doit démarrer le 29 févriers prochain. La dernière édition "Red Flag 2016-1", qui s'est conclue le 12 février dernier, a vu la participation des Etats-Unis, de l'Australie et du Royaume Uni, avec deux missions quotidiennes de 5 heures chacune et plus de 80 appareils en vol simultanément.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/premier-red-flag-pour-les-eurofighter-typhoon-63923

Citation :

taly's Caesar special mission helo enters service

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
25 February 2016





AgustaWestland's HH-101A Caesar (AW101) special mission helicopter formally entered service with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) on 25 February.

The milestone, which occurred just under a year after the type made its maiden flight on 19 March 2015, was marked by a ceremony at Cervia Air Base in northern Italy.

The AMI has so far received four of its 15 HH-101A helicopters, which are being built at AgustaWestland's Yeovil facility in southern England.

Modelled on the AW101, of which more than 200 have been ordered by operators worldwide, the HH-101A is able to accommodate up to five crew members plus 20 fully equipped troops, or six crew members plus eight troops for special operations.



Intended to replace the Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican in AMI service, the HH-101As will perform special mission sets including combat search and rescue (CSAR), special forces support, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and slow-moving air-to-air intercept operations.

For these roles they will be fitted with three M134 7.62 mm pintle-mounted Gatling guns (installed in right and left doors and on the rear ramp), armoured cockpit seats, ballistic protection for the machine gun operators and critical systems, and an integrated electronic warfare system and missile-launch detection system providing self-protection against radar, laser, and infrared threats.



The HH-101A will also feature an air-to-air refuelling kit for extended-range operations.

Citation :

Italy to deploy CSAR helicopter force to Iraq

Paolo Valpolini, Milan - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

01 March 2016


Italy is to send Mangusta (pictured) and NH90 helicopters to Iraq to provide CSAR cover for national forces deployed and set to be
deployed. Source: Italian Army  


Italy is to deploy eight helicopters and 130 personnel to Iraq in support of ongoing efforts to counter the Islamic State in the country, the government has announced.

Four AgustaWestland A129 Mangusta attack helicopters and four NHIndustries NH90 transport helicopters will be deployed to Erbil in northern Iraq "very soon" for the purposes of combat search and rescue (CSAR), defence minister Roberta Pinotti said.

These assets will be provided by the 5th and 7th Army Aviation regiments, both currently part of the 'Friuli' Airmobile Brigade, while the accompanying platoon-sized troop element will be drawn from the 66th 'Trieste' Airmobile Regiment, part of the same brigade. This CSAR package will be similar in structure to that which Italy currently operates in Herat, Afghanistan, in support of the Train Advise Assist Command - West.

Italy already has some 700 military advisors attached to the Kurdistan Training Coordination Center (KTCC), and operates a pair General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc RQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles, four Panavia Tornado IDS combat aircraft, and one Boeing KC-767 tanker over Iraq.

In addition to the CSAR force being sent, the training force, and the aircraft already operating in-theatre, an infantry element is to be dispatched to the Mosul Dam, about 130 km northwest of Erbil, to support Italian contractors who are working to make the structure safe and to prevent a collapse that the United States is warning could cause up to 500,000 casualties. The Italian government is also said to be considering sending further mechanised infantry assets, including main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and possibly artillery from the 'Garibaldi' Brigade.
 

Citation :

GE to Provide Gas Turbines for Italian Navy PPA Hybrid Drive


GE’s Marine Solutions will provide the LM2500+G4 gas turbine that will power the Italian Navy’s new Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol ships. The ships’ hybrid electric propulsion system also will use GE’s shock-proof MV3000 drives and a GE-designed electrical network of motors as part of the propulsion system.

Fincantieri was showing an animation of its PPA concept during Euronaval 2014

Avio Aero, a GE Aviation business headquartered in Italy, will have the design responsibility for the gas turbine package.

The PPA’s MV3000 drive developed by GE’s Marine Solutions will drive the electric motor to rotate the propeller in low speed operations.

The hybrid motor and drive also can act as the generator to power equipment onboard the vessel, such as weapons and sensors. While conducting disaster relief operations, the PPA will be able to provide up to 2MW of power to the shore. GE drives can convert the frequency of the electricity generated to 50 or 60 hertz, allowing smooth shore connection whatever the location.

“We are excited to be part of a project that will continue to modernize and strengthen the Italian Navy’s surface fleet,” said Tim Schweikert, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE’s Marine Solutions. “Our contract includes an order for one LM2500+G4 as well an option for six more LM2500+G4s. The ship’s flexible and unique hybrid propulsion plant will feature small gearbox mounted-motors for low speed operations, two propulsion diesels for mid-speed service and the gas turbine to reach more than 31 knots. We will also be responsible for the electrical system integration of the hybrid system.”

The 132.5 m multipurpose offshore patrol ship is a highly flexible vessel with the capacity to serve multiple functions ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations and, in its most highly equipped version, front line fighting vessel.

There will be different combat system configurations: starting from a “soft” version for the patrol task, integrated for self-defense ability, to a “full” version, equipped for a complete defense capability.

The vessel is capable of deploying high-speed vessels such as RHIBs and will have a speed of more than 33 knots according to vessel configuration and operational conditions.

It will be able to supply drinking water as well as electricity to shore. Two modular zones at the stern and center of the ship will allow it to embark various types of containerized operating/logistic/residential/healthcare modules. The stern area can take up to 5 TEU of these units and the central zone up to 8 TEU.

The PPAs will be built at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with delivery of the first vessel of the class set for 2021

GE’s Marine Solutions will provide the LM2500+G4 gas turbine that will power the Italian Navy’s new Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol ships. The ships’ hybrid electric propulsion system also will use GE’s shock-proof MV3000 drives and a GE-designed electrical network of motors as part of the propulsion system.The Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura - PPA

PPA – Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Ship
The multipurpose offshore patrol ship is a highly flexible ship with capacity to serve multiple functions ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations, and in its most highly equipped version, first line fighting vessel. There will be indeed different configurations of combat system: a “soft” one for the patrol task integrated for self-defence ability, and a “full” one, equipped for a complete defence ability. The vessel is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as RIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern.
• 129 meters long
• Speed of over 31 knots
• 171 persons of the crew
• Equipped with a combined diesel and gas turbine plant (CODAG)
• Capacity to supply drinking water to land
• Capacity to provide electricity to land with 2000 kw of power
• Possibility of embarking modular residential and healthcare zones
• 2 modular zones at the stern and at the center of the ship that allow the embarking of various types of containerized operating/logistic/healthcare modules (in particular, the stern area may receive and handle within a covered area up to 5 modules in ISO 20” containers, while the central zone may receive and handle up to 8 ISO 20” containers)
The PPAs will be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with delivery expected, for the first vessel of the class, in 2021, while the following deliveries of the vessels will take place in 2022, 2023, 2024 (two units), and 2025.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

talian Navy Special Forces Unit Operational Raiders Group Trains in Monte Romano Range




In the last few days, the Comsubin Operational Raiders Group completed one of the most intensive training periods within its annual exercise programme, consisting in a complex activity aimed at training the Italian Navy Special Forces and enhancing the San Marco Marine Regiment combat support capabilities.

The activity – planned, prepared and conducted by the Operational Raiders Group Training Unit – deployed the Group’s Task Unit Maritime Command Post and supporting assets to the Monte Romano range, including telecommunication systems, computer networks, and facility protection.

The exercise, simulating deployments in different scenarios, was aimed at testing Tactics, Techniques and Procedures in a typical land environment.

During the operations, the Comsubin Commander, Rear Admiral Paolo Pezzutti, accompanied by the Operational Raiders Group Commanding Officer, Captain Massimiliano Rossi, visited the training range to witness the most important phases of the exercise.




http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3676

Citation :

Italy splits gas turbine selection for new ships


Richard Scott, London - IHS Jane's Navy International

16 March 2016

Key Points
•Fincantieri will source gas turbines from two different suppliers for the Italian Navy's new patrol ship and amphibious vessel programmes
•The GE Marine Solutions LM2500+G4 will be supplied to the patrol ship programme, with the Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine to be fitted to the amphibious ship

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has opted to source gas turbine prime movers from two different manufacturers to meet the needs of the Italian Navy's multipurpose offshore patrol ship (Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura: PPA) and multipurpose amphibious vessel (LHD) programmes.

Seven PPA vessels and a single LHD are to be built by Fincantieri under the Legge Navale, or 'Naval Law', fleet recapitalisation programme approved in 2015.

Citation :

Italy increases M-346 jet trainer buy

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

22 March 2016


Italy will field 18 T-346A jet trainer aircraft by the time deliveries are complete in 2018.
Source: Alenia Aermacchi



Italy has signed for a further nine Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master advanced jet trainers, taking its total order up to 18 aircraft, Finmeccanica announced on 22 March.

The EUR300 million (USD336 million) contract will see the first of this additional batch begin later this year, and be complete by 2018.

Designated the T-346A in Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana - AMI) service, the M-346 is operated by the 212th Squadron based at Lecca-Galatina Airbase in southern Italy. Having ordered its first batch of aircraft in 2009, the AMI was expected to procure up to 15 of the type before Finmeccanica's latest announcement.

Globally, 68 M-346 aircraft have now been ordered by Italy (18), Israel (30), Singapore (12) and Poland (, while the Netherlands announced in 2015 that it is to send several of its student pilots to train on the aircraft in Italy. The United Arab Emirates selected the M-346 in 2009 but has yet to sign a contract for the 48 aircraft it requires, and Finmeccanica has also offered the platform to the United States.

As well as being an advanced jet trainer aircraft, the M-346 can also double-up as a light attack platform if required. Fitted with nine hardpoints (four under each wing and one on the centreline for an optional cannon pod), the M-346 can carry a range of 'dumb' and 'smart' munitions, such as Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs and GBU-12/16 and Opher Mk 82 guided bombs. It can also carry six Durandal anti-runway dispensers, four BRD-4 or LAU-7/LAU-5002/LAU-32 rocket pods, four AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs, four AGM-65 Maverick ASMs, or four Brimstone anti-armour/low-collateral missiles.

il a la classe ce trainer...

Traîner et CAS. Très sympas

Citation :

L'armée de l'air italienne n'a plus de capacité de guerre électronique


Dans Actualité Défense, Actualité Avions de mission
Publié le 01/04/2016 à 11h29, par Jean-Pierre Husson


Un Dragon STAR ou Gulfstream AML au décollage © Lockheed Martin


Alors même que la crise en Libye va en s'accentuant, l'Italie se trouve privée d'une capacité ISR fondamentale: la capacité SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) ou de renseignement d'origine électromagnétique (ROEM). En effet, le Gulfstream III AML (Airborne Multi-Intelligence Laboratory) ou Dragon Star, qui depuis 2012 remplissait ce rôle au sein de la défense italienne, a été rapatrié aux États-Unis car le contrat de leasing avec Lockheed Martin, renouvelé tous les ans, est arrivé à échéance et n'a pas été prorogé.

L'appareil en question, était opéré jusqu'à présent par l'Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) sur la base d'un contrat de location avec l'avionneur américain, qui fournissait également les pilotes, le personnel de support et les techniciens (seuls les opérateurs systèmes étaient Italiens). Plateforme expérimentale basée sur le business jet Gulfstream modifié et équipé de toute une série de capteurs, le Dragon Star est dédié aux missions SIGINT et COMINT (Communication Intelligence), autrement dit d'écoute et interception des communications.

L'Italie se trouve ainsi dépourvu de capacités SIGINT/ROEM fondamentales dans le contexte libyen, notamment pour surveiller et intercepter les échanges de communications entre groupes terroristes ou milices hostiles. Pour combler cet handicap, deux options sont aujourd'hui à l'étude : la première et la plus simple serait de renouveler le contrat de leasing avec Lockheed Martin; la seconde d'acquérir un Beechcraft modifié par L3 Communications, comme celui qui est actuellement mis en œuvre par les Américains à partir de la base de Pantelleria, la petite île sicilienne de plus en plus utilisée pour les opérations spéciales et/ou clandestines menées en direction de la Libye.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/l-armee-de-l-air-italienne-n-a-plus-de-capacite-de-guerre-electronique-67969

Citation :

L'Italie développe une version hybride du NH90
Dans Actualité Défense
Publié le 13/04/2016 à 14h56, par Guillaume Belan





Une petite surprise, qui a du sens ! L'Italie a fait voler il y deux jours une version hybride de l'hélicoptères de transport européen NH90, un standard qui prend place entre la version terrestre TTH (Hélicoptère de transport tactique) et celle navale NFH (Nato Frigate helicopter). Selon une source italienne, cette version qui vient de débuter ses essais en vol à Tessera en Italie, est dépourvue du radar du NFH. Il s'agit en fait d'un NH90 TTH pourvu des trains atterrissage et du rotor du NFH. Une réponse à un besoin exprimé par l'armée italienne, qui souhaite que ses hélicoptères de transport soient capables d'apponter sur des navires de la Marine. Une commande pourrait être passé une dizaine d'hélicoptères.


http://www.air-cosmos.com/l-italie-developpe-une-version-hybride-du-nh90-69321

Citation :

Typhoon : Un système pour éviter les tirs fratricides
Dans Actualité Défense, Actualité Avions de combat
Publié le 22/04/2016 à 09h55, par Emmanuel Huberdeau





Un système IFF inversé a été testé sur un Typhoon de l'armée de l'air italienne © Alenia Aermacchi

Finmeccanica a annoncé les essais, à bord d'un Typhoon italien, d'un système IFF Mode 5 inversé destiné à éviter les tirs air-sol fratricides. Le système IFF inversé permet à l'équipage d'un chasseur d'interroger les troupes au sol tout comme le fait un système IFF classique vis à vis des aéronefs. Le système a été intégré sur un Typhoon Tranche 1 et testé devant des représentants de l'OTAN.

Le typhon de l'armée de l'air italienne a simulé des missions d'appui aérien rapproché en interrogeant des unités de l'armée de terre italienne déployée sur la base de Pratica di Mare à proximité de Rome. Selon le Finmeccanica, les essais ont été concluants et les unités au sol ont été identifiées comme "amis" par le Typhoon.

D'après l'industriel italien, l'OTAN envisage d'employer l'IFF Mode 5 inversé comme solution pour éviter les tirs fratricides lors des opérations en coalition.


http://www.air-cosmos.com/typhoon-un-systeme-pour-eviter-les-tirs-fratricides-70373

Citation :

Italian Navy Co-Hosts Event To Sell Vessels
Tom Kington, Defense News 8:22 a.m. EDT April 22, 2016



The Italian Navy is co-hosting what could be described as a secondhand ship show in Italy next month as it retires dozens of seasoned vessels and brings new ships into service.

Officials from 11 navies around the world are due to attend the event at the Navy’s La Spezia base May 24-27 to scout for bargains among various classes of vessel, which Italy is hoping to make some much needed money by selling.

Also present at the event will be Italian companies offering their services for refits and upgrades to give the vessels a technological makeover.

The Seafuture & Maritime Technologies 2016 event has been running for five years, but this is the first time the Navy has stepped in as an official partner, according to the organizer.

“Up until now the Navy has negotiated the sale of its vessels on a one-to-one basis, so this is a new approach,” said Laura Parducci, an official with the local chamber of commerce, which organizes the event. “People coming will be able to sign deals there and then."

The Navy’s decision to put its ships in the shop window at La Spezia is due to the large number it is phasing out. After investing heavily in fleet renewal in the 1970s, a number of the vessels bought at the time are now due for retirement.




http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/navy/2016/04/22/italy-navy-vessel-ship-funding-political-scandal/83375906/

Citation :

Irak : Les hélicoptères italiens débarquent à Mossoul
Dans Actualité Défense
Publié le 28/04/2016 à 07h41, par Jean-Pierre Husson



Les premiers NH90 italiens sont arrivés à Mossoul © AgustaWestland
Les éléments précurseurs du contingent militaire italien qui sera chargé d'assurer la protection du barrage de Mossoul (450 hommes environ), sont à pied d’œuvre depuis quelques jours. Il s'agit plus précisément d'éléments provenant d'Erbil, où est déployé déjà le contingent italien engagé dans l'opération « Prima Parthica ».
Deux des quatre NH90 en configuration transport tactique (TTH), qui ont été prévus pour cette nouvelle mission, sont déjà arrivés avec leurs équipages et les militaires chargés d'assurer les opérations de “Personnel Recovery”, l'évacuation de personnel civil et militaire en zone de combat. Le départ pour le barrage de Mossoul d'un premier contingent de 130 hommes, inclus une section d'infanterie aéromobile du 66e régiment « Trieste » et de huit hélicoptères (quatre A­129 Mangusta et quatre NH90) du 7e régiment « Vega ». Un déploiement annoncé en février dernier par le ministre de la Défense, Roberta Pinotti. (relire ici)

Les Mangusta sont armés de missiles Spike et de pods roquettes de 81 et 70 mm, en plus d'un canon automatique M197 de 20 mm de type Gatling à contacteur électrique équipant la tourelle OTO Melara TM­197B.

Le déploiement de la totalité du dispositif italien prévu pour cette nouvelle mission n'interviendra pas, dans le meilleur des cas, avant la fin du printemps. Actuellement, la contribution italienne aux forces de la coalition anti-Daech en Irak s'élève à 850 militaires. Leur nombre passera donc à 1 300 avec le contingent chargé d'assurer la protection du barrage de Mossoul en plus du tanker KC­767A, deux drones Predator et quatre chasseurs bombardiers Tornado non armés, qui opèrent également depuis leur base au Koweït.



http://www.air-cosmos.com/irak-les-helicopteres-italiens-debarquent-a-mossoul-71081

Citation :

Daesh Ambushes British-Italian Troops Operating in Libya – Israeli Media

As European Special Forces battle Daesh, also known as IS/Islamic State, in Syria and Iraq, the extremist group has, this week, reportedly ambushed Italian and British troops in Libya for the first time.

On Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond indicated that he would not rule out the possibility of joining the US and European allies in sending ground troops into Libya.




"It wouldn’t make sense to rule anything out because you never know how things are going to evolve," Hammond told the Telegraph. "If naval or air support was requested for such an action, we would obviously look at it."
But according to DEBKAfile, Britain already has Special Forces troops operating in Libya alongside Italian counterparts, and having come under fire by Daesh militants on Wednesday, any Western invasion could now face complications.
DEBKAfile’s military sources report that the incident occurred on April 27, as a convoy of Italian, British, and Libyan forces moved from the city of Misrata toward the Daesh-held city of Sirte. The ambush involved vehicles packed with explosives, which pulled up alongside the convoy before detonating.


Western forces were only able to repel additional attackers with the aid of Italian and French warplanes and attack helicopters.
"Italian troops were among those killed or wounded in the battle, but there is no information whether there were British casualties as well," DEBKAfile reports. "Some reports say members of the Western force were taken prisoner by ISIS, although they have yet to be identified."
Sources also describe an effort by Western powers to silence reports of the incident.
"A joint command consisting of officers from Britain, France, Italy, Germany and the US that is responsible for planning the invasion of Libya, as well as the Italian and British defense ministries, imposed a media blackout regarding the battle," DEBKAfile reports.
A fire is seen next to the Libyan cement factory
© REUTERS/
EU to Discuss Libya Intervention as UK Urged to Reveal Military Plans
The incident may have put a damper on Europe’s confidence in launching a more overt invasion. Two days before the attack, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi seemed open to deploying troops to Libya.

"We are ready for a strong role, but for no adventures," Renzi told la Repubblica newspaper.
One day after the incident, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni expressed a different sentiment.
"Italy has no plans to send troops to Libya without a request from the unity government that is backed by the UN," he told parliament, according to DEBKAfile.



Read more: http://sputniknews.com/africa/20160430/1038871881/daesh-libya-ambush.html#ixzz47IeOpXte

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Monday, 2 May 2016

Italian Navy FREMM Carabiniere returns from 6 months operational deployment

The Italian FREMM Carabiniere has just concluded a six month deployment at sea off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean. The ship was employed on Operation ATALANTA (current counter-piracy military operation; the first undertaken by the European Union Naval Force), where she acted as flagship for five months.





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Esercito Italiano a ajouté 3 photos.

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New Italian Tank To Be Funded As Cash for Freccia Vehicle Slows
Tom Kington, Defense News 9:03 a.m. EDT May 20, 2016


ROME — Italy is set to spend €160 million this year for the development of a new wheeled tank, but will skimp on planned funding for a new batch of its armored Freccia vehicles, slowing the Army’s drive toward becoming a lighter-weight, digital fighting force.

Sources knowledgeable of funding decisions told Defense News that the new Centauro II wheeled tank program would receive €160 million via the 2016 Italian defense budget, which is expected to be released imminently.

Developed by a consortium of Italy’s Iveco and Leonardo-Finmeccanica, the tank is an update on the Centauro already in service with the Italian Army. The prototype will be unveiled at the Eurosatory show in Paris next month before it's handed over to the Army in July for tests that will run through 2017.

The funding may lead to a pre-series contract for about 30 of the 30 ton, 105 kph vehicles, the sources said.

With a new hull and better armor than the first Centauro, the upgrade will have a 120mm gun, compared to the 105mm gun on the original, and a more powerful, 720 horsepower engine.




http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/land/vehicles/2016/05/20/italy-freccia-centauro-army-vehicle/84642530/