The aircraft carrier 'Trieste', the largest warship in Italian history, seen from the inside

On July 3, a new aircraft carrier was authorized for the Italian Navy: the "Trieste", an LHD-type amphibious ship.

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The ship was laid down on February 20, 2018, and launched on May 25, 2019, and commissioned into the Italian Navy on December 7, 2024. The ship, which is currently undergoing sea trials, is intended to replace the aircraft carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi" C-551, which has been in service since September 1985.

The "Trieste" is the largest warship in Italian history: it is 245 meters long, 5 meters longer than the battleship "Roma" of 1942, the largest warship of the Royal Italian Navy, sunk in 1943. Likewise, the "Trieste" has a beam of 32.9 meters, a draft of 10.5 meters and a displacement of 43,835 tons (to give you an idea, the Spanish aircraft carrier "Juan Carlos I" L-61 is 231 meters long and has a displacement of 26,000 tons).

Furthermore, the "Trieste" is the first Italian aircraft carrier with two islands instead of one, a configuration like that of the British "Queen Elizabeth" class aircraft carriers, the first of which was launched a year before the "Trieste" was authorized.

Like the "Giuseppe Garibaldi" and the other Italian aircraft carrier, the "Cavour", the "Trieste" has a ramp at the front of its flight deck to facilitate the takeoff of STOVL fighters, specifically the Harrier II Plus and F-35B. The "Trieste" is the second Italian ship prepared to operate the F-35B, after the "Cavour" underwent a modernization program to accommodate these fifth-generation fighters.

Furthermore, the "Trieste" is also capable of operating AgustaWestland AW101 transport helicopters, SH-90A anti-submarine helicopters (the Italian designation for the NFH version of the NH90), and AW129D Mangusta attack helicopters. This comprehensive air wing will provide Italy with a boost to its naval power at a crucial time for European security.

The "Trieste" has a crew of 460 and can accommodate 604 Marines. It is armed with three 76mm Oto Melara anti-aircraft guns, three 25mm OTO Melara 25/80 RCWS, and 16 launchers for Aster 15 and Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles.

At its stern, the ship has a floodable dock for operating landing craft and AAV-7 amphibious armored vehicles. It also has a garage to house vehicles, including C1 Ariete tanks.

The ship received its battle flag on October 26, during a ceremony held inside its extensive aircraft hangar.

A few days ago, Naval News published a video visiting this Italian ship and showing its interior, including the aircraft hangar, the operating room, and other areas:

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Photos: Marina Militare Italiana.