An Italian Navy frigate named the Virginio Fasan destroyed a drone that was attacking a merchant ship in the Red Sea.
Italy’s Ministry of Defense announced on 29 April that its frigate Virginio Fasan had shot down a drone that was attacking the merchant ship the frigate was protecting. The frigate utilized its 76mm rapid fire main gun as well as directed the merchant ship’s evasive maneuvers. The Virginio Fasan is protecting shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks that started in response to Israel’s counter-offense against Hamas in Gaza. After the frigate downed the drone, the ships continued southward to exit the Red Sea.
The Virginio Fasan and the Italian destroyer Caio Duilio are taking turns as Italy’s headquarters for its turn running UNAVFOR ASPIDES operations. This mission is focused on ensuring maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Areas. The ships lead one of the Combined Maritime Forces five Combined Task Forces (CTFs), CTF 153, which focuses on the Red Sea and western Gulf of Aden. Others include CTF 150, which focuses on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden; regional anti-piracy task force CTF 151; Arabian Gulf-centered CTF 152, and maritime security training task force CTF 154. In total, the Combined Maritime Forces in the area comprise the largest international maritime force in the world, according to navy.mil.
This is not the first time the Italian navy has downed a drone. The Caio Duilio took out a drone headed toward it on 3 March. In this case, the destroyer utilized its radar-guided close-range air defense 76/62 mm Super Rapido guns designed for close range air defense.
No end in sight
The Huthis, in a display of solidarity, announced that they had vowed to target Israeli, British and American ships, as well as vessels heading to Israeli ports. However, they have been known to hit ships from their sponsor, Iran, as well. Attacks by Houthis have driven up the cost and time of shipping in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes. Oil prices in particular have been sensitive to the drone and missile attacks.
