LHD Trieste: Italian Navy’s Largest Combat Vessel Since World War II

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – As reported by Mer et Marine on December 5, 2024, the Italian Navy is set to commission its latest Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), Trieste, the largest combat vessel built in Italy since World War II.

The commissioning ceremony for the LHD is being held today at the Port of Livorno, with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in attendance.

LHD Trieste will replace the aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, decommissioned on October 1, 2024, and will serve as the flagship of the Italian Navy’s amphibious task group.

The development of the LHD Trieste began under the 2014–2015 naval program, with the construction contract awarded to Fincantieri in July 2015.

Steel cutting commenced in July 2017, followed by the keel laying at Castellammare di Stabia in February 2018.

The hull was launched in May 2019 before outfitting at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard, with maintenance conducted at the Palermo facility due to space constraints.

BRIEF:

The Italian Navy has officially commissioned its newest Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), Trieste, the largest combat vessel constructed in Italy since World War II. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Port of Livorno, was attended by President Sergio Mattarella. Replacing the decommissioned aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, Trieste will serve as the flagship of the Navy’s amphibious task group.

Built under the 2014–2015 naval program by Fincantieri, the 245-meter, 33,000-ton Trieste boasts cutting-edge technology, including a CODLOG propulsion system for enhanced speed and range, and a dual-island design separating navigation and flight operations. Its capabilities include operating F-35B fighter jets and helicopters, accommodating amphibious vehicles via a floodable well deck, and offering a state-of-the-art modular hospital for critical care.

Designed for multipurpose roles, Trieste supports amphibious operations, power projection, and humanitarian missions while integrating advanced weaponry, radar, and electronic warfare systems. With a capacity for 1,064 personnel, the vessel underscores a significant leap in Italy’s naval capabilities and operational versatility.

Initial sea trials were conducted in August 2021, with additional dockyard work performed in Trieste at the end of 2023.

The construction involved three shipyards and over 1,000 personnel during the assembly and outfitting phases.

Delivery, originally scheduled for 2022, was delayed to December 2024.

Measuring 245 meters in length and displacing 33,000 tons, Trieste is the largest Italian naval vessel since World War II.

It features a CODLOG (Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas) propulsion system, combining two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, two MAN diesel engines, and two electric motors.

This system enables a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 16 knots. Its dual-island design separates navigation and flight operations management.

The ship is designed to support F-35B fighter jets and a variety of helicopters, with a 230-meter-long flight deck featuring nine landing spots and two elevators, each with a 42-ton capacity.

Below deck, it offers a hangar and garage with over 4,500 square meters of space for vehicles, along with a floodable well deck for amphibious operations. The well deck can accommodate amphibious vehicles and landing craft.

The LHD Trieste is armed with three 76mm guns, three 25mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS), and a Sylver Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of deploying Aster missiles.

It also features advanced electronic warfare systems and multifunction radars.

Designed for multipurpose operations, the vessel can accommodate up to 1,064 personnel, including 450 crew members and 600 embarked troops.

Its onboard facilities include a hospital with 27 beds, operating rooms, radiology and dental services, with the option for containerized medical expansions.

Trieste will serve as a versatile platform for amphibious and air operations, humanitarian assistance, and command roles.

Compared to the ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi and ITS Cavour aircraft carriers, the LHD Trieste has a different design focus and operational roles.

The ITS Garibaldi, measuring 180.2 meters and displacing 14,150 tons, was specialized in anti-submarine warfare and air defense, operating Harrier jets and helicopters.

The ITS Cavour, slightly smaller than LHD Trieste at 244 meters and 27,100 tons, is dedicated to air operations as an aircraft carrier.

In contrast, LHD Trieste, at 245 meters and 33,000 tons, is a multipurpose amphibious assault ship featuring a floodable well deck for landing craft, expanded facilities for troop transport, and significant medical capabilities.

Unlike the aviation-focused ITS Cavour and ITS Garibaldi, Trieste integrates amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, and command roles.

The LHD Trieste will provide the Italian Navy with new capabilities, including a floodable well deck for deploying landing craft, an expanded flight deck to operate F-35B fighter jets and helicopters, and a modular hospital equipped for treating critically injured patients.

It is designed to support amphibious operations, power projection, joint and allied command, and logistical support. – DSA