The continuous intimidation by the self-styled Libyan coast guard (in the last case with the explosion of gunfire), against the Italian fishing boats, highlights the need to adequately patrol the Southern Mediterranean.
The 41st flock of the Air Force, also composed of Navy personnel, contributes, together with other assets, to maritime patrol and SAR (Search And Rescue) activities.
After the disposal of the ancient Br. 1150 Atlantic, in service for almost 40 years, the P-72A, a more modern and specialized version of the Italian-French ATR-72 600 aircraft, arrived to the flock.
It is a robust machine, the naval patrol version is equipped with Leonardo's ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system, which includes an AESA radar Seaspray 7300E, a STAR SAFIRE 380 HD optronic turret, ASARS DF (Airborne Search and Rescue System Direction Finder) designed for SAR and C-SAR missions, ESM / ELINT (electronic listening).
In practice it is an excellent surveillance air carrier, however the P-72As are small in number (4 machines) and, at the moment, unarmed.
Although the underwater threat in the Mediterranean has considerably diminished with the end of the Cold War, we believe it is necessary to maintain ASW capabilities - not only through dedicated naval units and embarked helicopters - also in naval scenarios such as those postulated by the so-called “Wider Mediterranean” doctrine. For example, the Turkish ATR-72 ASWs are armed with American Mk-54 light torpedoes.
Italy has a great tradition in the field of torpedoes, in fact the MU90s of WASS (Leonardo's subsidiary) have had a great success in foreign sales and equip the helicopters of the Navy (SH-101 and SH-90). Furthermore, Leonardo is developing another light torpedo, called Black Arrow (can also be launched by UCAV and USV), it is equipped with a lithium-polymer battery (it can therefore be reused several times in practice) and can be configured with both a directive and omnidirectional warhead.
We should also think about equipping the P-72As with MARTE ER anti-ship missiles (maximum range 100 km with 70 kg warhead), in order to allow them to effectively counter even thin ships.
At the moment no other purchases of patrol vessels would be planned, in our opinion it is a big mistake, at least another 4/6 P-72A would be needed, given the geographic location of Italy.
Alternatively, the 41st Wing could acquire a number of C-27Js Spartan, perhaps in the configuration Praetorian, with in-flight refueling probe.
Leonardo designed an ASW version with ventral radar and wing pylons. This version of the famous twin-engine can also be armed with a 30 mm (30x173 mm) ATK cannon; or with Smart Loitering Systems (photo), with ranges up to 250 km, which could be used to dissuade the coast guard of certain North African countries from bad intentions.
Photo: Aeronautica Militare / UVision
