Nazario Sauro-class

Summary

Description

The Nazario Sauro class is a group of diesel-electric submarines that have been part of the Italian Navy's fleet. These submarines were constructed by the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, located in Monfalcone, and were developed during the 1970s with the intention of countering the Soviet underwater threat during the Cold War period.

Entering service in 1980, the Sauro class submarines replaced a variety of older models including the Toti, Tang, and Tench class vessels. Over time, these submarines were delivered in four batches, distinguished by incremental design improvements and refinements in displacement, armament, and technology. The initial two batches were followed by two more orders in the 1980s, resulting in an Improved Sauro class delivered across the years 1988-89 and 1994-95. These submarines served until they were succeeded by the more advanced Todaro-class, which is based on the German-Italian Type 212 design.

In terms of armament, the Sauro class was outfitted with six 533mm torpedo tubes and had the capacity to carry a dozen reloads. Batches I and II were equipped with the Whitehead A-184 torpedo series, which was later upgraded to the A-184 Mod 3 series in Batches III and IV. The radar systems progressed from SMA SPS-704 to the SMA MM/BPS-704-V2 version, while sonar systems evolved from Elsag-USEA IPD70/S to the STN Atlas Elektronik-ISUS 90–20 series across the different batches.

The operational history of these submarines saw them in active service until the early 2000s, with some boats, like the Sauro and Marconi, retiring in 2001 and 2002. The remaining four submarines underwent substantial upgrades in 2005, enhancing their sensors, weapons control systems, and communications, thereby lengthening their service lives. Furthermore, discussions regarding the sale of retired Sauro-class submarines to Taiwan via the United States surfaced but ultimately did not materialize.

Technical specifications