Italian Navy First NATO's Operational Mission for Todaro Submarine

The first operational mission took place on February 5 for the new Italian submarine type U-212A Salvatore Todaro in the air naval system by Nato, engaged in Mediterranean in the Active Endeavour operation. The submarine, ended the test cycles that in less of a year have brought it from the delivery to the full operativeness, for about two months will make its activity under the operational control by Comsubsouth and will be deployed with surveillance and fight to the international terrorism purposes. The 'Salvatore Todaro', type U-212A, born from an international cooperation programme between Italy and Germany, and has been deliverd to Italian Navy from Fincantieri last March 29, 2006. It's an underwater unit of medium dimensions, distinguished from the employment of innovative technologies that allow most advanced performances, among them, in the launch of weapons. In particular, the silent propulsion type based on the use by fuel cells, represents an innovative system to produce energy in various sectors, also not military. The 'Active Endeavour' operation, began on October 21, 2001, has been actuated following to the attacks on September 11, 2001 and consigned to the air naval units assigned ad hoc by NATO Countries, under the operative control by Marittime Component Commander of Naples.

The Italian Navy since 2001 ensures in permanent way to NATO the availability of an Italian unit in Mediterranean for the 'Active Endeavour's exigencies, to carry out naval operations of presence and control, support to the crisis' situations management and assistance in case of disasters. Currently the Todaro's submarine represents the Italian contribution to NATO in the fight to international terrorism by sea. (Source: Avionews)