# Lerici-class minehunter

The Lerici class is a class of minehunters constructed by Intermarine SpA and owned and operated by the Italian Navy. The class incorporates two subclasses: the first four ships are referred to specifically as the first series of the Lerici class, while eight more ships produced to a slightly modified design are known as "second series Lericis" or as the Gaeta class.
The class design has also been used as the basis for ships of the Royal Malaysian Navy (as the Mahamiru class), the Nigerian Navy, the United States Navy (as the Osprey class), the Royal Australian Navy (as the Huon class), and the Royal Thai Navy (as the Lat Ya class). Three updated vessels were constructed for the Finnish Navy (the Katanpää class). The Republic of Korea Navy operates an unlicensed derivative, known as the Ganggyeong class.

## Design and service history

Twelve ships were constructed by Intermarine SpA between 1985 and 1996. The first four, referred to as the Lerici subclass) were ordered on 7 January 1978. Six more ships of an improved design (known as the Gaeta subclass) were ordered on 30 April 1988, with two more Gaetas ordered in 1991.

### Lerici class

The four Lerici-class ships were launched from September 1982 through to April 1985, and were all commissioned into the Italian Navy during 1985.
Lerici-class ships have a displacement of 620 tons full load, 50 metres (164 ft 1 in) long, 9.9 metres (32 ft 6 in) wide, and a draught of 2.6 metres (8 ft 6 in). The ships have a maximum speed of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph), provided by a single diesel engine (GMT BL.230-8M for 1,600 hp; 1,200 kW) connected to an electric engine (1,985 hp; 1,480 kW) with a variable-pitch propeller. This speed is reduced to 6 knots (11 km/h; 6.9 mph) for mine-warfare operations; three active rudders (small propellers mounted in a unit which can rotate through 360 degrees, powered by three diesel-engines generators Isotta Fraschini ID-36-SS6V) are used to keep the minehunters on station. The ships have a range of 1,500 nautical miles (2,800 km; 1,700 mi) at operational speed.
Each ship has a standard complement of 47, made up of 4 officers, 7 clearance divers, and 36 ratings. They are equipped with one hyperbaric chamber, one mechanical minesweeper system Oropesa Mk4, two ROV Whitehead-Riva Calzoni MIN-77 (then replaced by one ROV Gaymarine Pluto GIGAS) and Gaymarine Pluto, remote-operated submersibles for mine investigation and clearance, and VDS FIAR SQQ-14 (IT) sonar. CMS (Combat Management System) is Datamat MM/SSN-714(V)3. Two navigation radars: one GEM Elettronica SPN-754 (I band) and one GEM Elettronica SPN-753(V)1 ARPA (I band), completed by integrated navigation system Motorola MRS III. The ships are armed with a single Oerlikon 20 mm cannon (then replaced by Browning M2 12.7 mm).

### Gaeta class

Depending on the source, the Gaeta-class ships are considered to be either a Lerici subclass, or a separate class of ships. The eight ships of the Second Series Lerici class, more commonly known as the Gaeta class, were all launched in the early 1990s, and were commissioned by May 1996. The Gaeta class is almost identical to the Lerici class: the main structural differences between the ships are that displacement of the latter is 77 tons greater, the hull is 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) longer, and the communications mast was moved from above the bridge to just forward of the exhaust funnel. The Gaetas also used an improved version of the VDS FIAR SQQ-14 (IT) sonar, which was fitted in 1991 to the four Lerici-class ships. ROV are Gaymarine Pluto and Gaymarine Pluto GIGAS. Navigation radar GEM Elettronica SPN-753 replaced with (V)9 ARPA version (I band).CMS was evolved version (Combat Management System) Datamat SSN-714(V)3UL. On board one larger hyperbaric chamber (8 seats).

#### Gaeta MLU

In 2010 Intermarine began MLU (mid-life update), expected to complete in 2018. New sonar is Thales 2093 Mk2, new CMS (Combat Management System) Selex ES SSN-714(V)4, new containerized and removable hyperbaric chamber and added new EMDV (Expendable Mine Disposal Vehicle) Gaymarine Plutino (MIKI, MIne KIller).

## Derivatives

The Lerici class design has been successfully exported to Algeria, Australia, Finland, Malaysia, Nigeria, the United States, Thailand and Taiwan. However, an inflexible export policy and demands by Intermarine that all ships be built in Italy are believed to have prevented wider sales. These restrictions were lessened in the leadup to the deals with the United States and Australia.

### Mahamiru class

The Royal Malaysian Navy operates four ships based on the Lerici class design: KDs Mahamiru (11), Jerai (12), Ledang (13), and Kinabalu (14). The four ships were ordered from Intermarine on 20 February 1981, commissioned into the Royal Malaysian Navy on 11 December 1985, and arrived in Malaysia on 26 March 1986. Referred to as "Malaysian Lericis" or as Mahamiru-class ships, two each are based in Lumut and Labuan.
Mahamiru-class ships vary in design from the Lerici class. Most significant of these is that Mahamirus are equipped with two diesel engines with dedicated propeller shafts instead of a single engine and propeller, giving them a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph) and a minehunting speed of 7 knots (13 km/h; 8.1 mph). The Malaysian ships are also equipped with Thomson Sintra TSM 2022 sonar, Thomson-CSF radar, and two PAP-104 remote-operated submersibles, and are 1 metre (3.3 ft) longer than the Italian vessels they were based on. Instead of the 20 mm Oerlikon, the ships are armed with a single Bofors 40 mm L/70 gun. The standard crew complement is 42, 5 of whom are officers.
In 2008, Mahamiru and Ledang were modernised by Thales as part of the Royal Malaysian Navy's Service Life Extension Program. The TSM 2022 sonars were upgraded to the Mark III version, and the ships were reconditioned to meet a minimum of ten more years active service.

### Nigerian Lerici

In the late 1980s, the Nigerian Navy acquired two Lerici-class ships. Ohue (M 371) was ordered in April 1983, laid down on 23 July 1984, launched on 22 November 1985, and commissioned on 28 May 1987. Marabai (M 372) was laid down on 11 March 1985, launched on 6 June 1986, and commissioned on 25 February 1988.
The Nigerian Lericis are based on the Mahamiru class, but use the Pluto submersible, a Racal Decca 1226 radar, and are slightly slower with a maximum speed of 15.5 knots (28.7 km/h; 17.8 mph). The Nigerian ships are armed with two 30 mm cannons, and have a crew complement of 50, including 5 officers.
Because of a lack of funding and maintenance, Ohue and Marabai were among several ships of the Nigerian Navy that were non-operational by 1996. However, as at 2013, both of these vessels are currently undergoing refurbishment prior to rejoining the Nigerian Naval fleet.

### Osprey class

In August 1986, following the cancellation of a 17-strong mine warfare ship class after the prototype failed shock testing, the United States Navy placed an order for a mine warfare ship based on the Lerici class. In order to keep construction of the twelve ships, referred to as the Osprey class, under the control of Intermarine, the company established Intermarine USA by acquiring the Sayler Marine Corporation. Initially, the twelve ships were to be built by Intermarine USA in Savannah, Georgia, but in October 1989, construction for four ships was contracted out to Avondale Industries. The ships were launched between March 1991 and June 1997, and were commissioned between November 1993 and December 1998.
The Osprey-class ships are larger than the other Lerici designs: they displace 918 tons fully loaded, are 57.3 metres (188 ft 0 in) long, 11 metres (36 ft 1 in) wide, and with a draught of 2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in). The ships are fitted with two diesel motors driving two Voith Schneider Propellers; these cycloidal propellers eliminate the need for the aft two active rudders. The ships use a Raytheon/Thomson Sintra SQQ-32 VDS sonar for minehunting, and Alliant SLQ-48 remote vehicles for mine disposal. The ships normally carry a crew of 51, including four officers, and are armed with two 12.7-millimetre (0.50 in) machine guns.
Upon entering service, the twelve ships were assigned to the United States Atlantic Fleet, with the intention that they remain in service for approximately twelve months before being transferred to the United States Navy Reserve. However, all of the ships remained in service until decommissioning in 2006 and 2007. The class was replaced in service by the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships, and as of 2008, eight Ospreys had either been transferred to or marked for transfer to other navies: two each to the Hellenic Navy, Lithuanian Navy, Turkish Navy, and Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy.

### Huon class

In 1991, a force structure review saw the need to replace the Bay-class inshore minehunters. The operating capabilities of the Bay class were found to be severely lacking, with four of the six ships cancelled before construction started. In 1994, a contract was awarded to Australian Defence Industries (ADI) to construct six minehunters based on the Gaeta subclass. The construction was to be a joint venture with Intermarine.
The hull of the first ship, HMAS Huon was constructed by the Intermarine shipyard in Sarzana, Italy, then was sent to Australia in 1995 for fitting out at ADI's shipyard in Newcastle, New South Wales. ADI constructed the other five ships in the class, which were all named after Australian rivers.
The Australian ships, which are referred to as the Huon class, have a slightly greater displacement and draft than the Gaetas. The ships use a GEC-Marconi Type 2093 sonar, two SUTEC Double Eagle remote mine disposal vehicles, and are armed with a 30 mm DC30B gun. The ships have a crew of 36 (including 6 officers), with further accommodation for 13 more, including 6 divers. The class entered service between 1998 and 2002 and is based at HMAS Waterhen in Sydney.

### Lat Ya class

Eight minehunters based on the Gaeta class were ordered by the Royal Thai Navy on 19 September 1996, after Intermarine won the tendering process initiated in April that year. Built at Intermarine's Sarzana shipyard, the first two ships of this class (HTM Ships Lat Ya and Tha Din Daeng were laid down in 1998 and launched in 1999. The other six ships were cancelled before they were laid down.
In comparison to the Gaetas, Lat Ya-class ships have a slightly greater displacement of 680 tons, with a corresponding increase in draught to 2.9 metres (9.5 ft). They use Atlas Elektronik radar and sonar, Pluto ROVs, and are fitted with a 30-millimetre (1.2 in) MSI cannon. Each ship carries 8 officers, and 42 other crew.

### Katanpää class

In 2004, the Finnish Navy began to look at replacements for the Kuha-class minesweepers, which had been in service since 1974. On 23 November 2006, a contract was signed with Intermarine to build three mine countermeasures vessels (initially referred to as the MCMV 2010 class, then as the MITO class).
The MITOs are based on the Huon class design, but with a redesigned superstructure.

## Unlicensed designs
### Ganggyeong class

The six Ganggyeong- (Swallow-) class ships of the Republic of Korea Navy are an unlicensed derivative of the Lerici class. Constructed by the Kangnam Shipbuilding Corporation, the class was commissioned into service between 1986 and 1994. The ships are smaller and less capable than the other Lerici designs.

## List

| Pennant number | Name | Shipyard | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Decommissioned | Note |
| Marina Militare – Lerici class ( 4 vessels ) ||||||||
| M 5550 | Lerici | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 27 June 1978 | 3 September 1982 | 4 May 1985 | | Placed in reserve by 2012 |
| M 5551 | Sapri | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 27 June 1978 | 5 April 1982 | 14 December 1985 | | Placed in reserve by 2012 |
| M 5552 | Milazzo | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 27 June 1978 | 1 April 1982 | 14 December 1985 | | |
| M 5553 | Vieste | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 18 April 1978 | 5 April 1984 | 14 December 1985 | | |
| Marina Militare – Gaeta class ( 8 vessels ) ||||||||
| M 5554 | Gaeta | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 5 August 1988 | 9 October 1990 | 3 July 1992 | | |
| M 5555 | Termoli | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 5 August 1988 | 18 December 1990 | 13 November 1992 | | |
| M 5556 | Alghero | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 5 August 1988 | 22 May 1991 | 31 March 1993 | | |
| M 5557 | Numana | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 5 August 1988 | 20 March 1992 | 30 July 1993 | | |
| M 5558 | Crotone | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 5 August 1988 | 8 September 1992 | 2 February 1994 | | |
| M 5559 | Viareggio | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 5 August 1988 | 11 May 1993 | 1 July 1994 | | |
| M 5560 | Chioggia | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 11 June 1994 | 23 June 1994 | 18 May 1996 | | |
| M 5561 | Rimini | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 6 November 1992 | 17 January 1995 | 10 November 1996 | | |
| Algerian National Navy – ( 3 vessels ) ||||||||
| 501 | El-Kasseh 1 | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 2012 | 5 April 2016 | 20 June 2017 | | |
| 502 | El-Kasseh 2 | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 2016 | 20 December 2018 | July 2020 | | |
| | | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | | | | | |
| Royal Australian Navy – Huon class ( 6 vessels ) ||||||||
| M 82 | Huon | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 9.1994 | | 15 May 1999 | Decommissioned 30 May 2024 | |
| M 83 | Hawkesbury | ADI (Australian Defence Industries) Newcastle, New South Wales | | | 12 February 2000 | Decommissioned 31 October 2018. Offered for sale as of 2018 | |
| M 84 | Norman | ADI (Australian Defence Industries) Newcastle, New South Wales | | | 26 August 2000 | Decommissioned 31 October 2018. Offered for sale as of 2018 | |
| M 85 | Gascoyne | ADI (Australian Defence Industries) Newcastle, New South Wales | | | 2 June 2001 | | |
| M 86 | Diamantina | ADI (Australian Defence Industries) Newcastle, New South Wales | | | 4 May 2002 | | |
| M 87 | Yarra | ADI (Australian Defence Industries) Newcastle, New South Wales | | | 1 March 2003 | | |
| Finnish Navy – Katanpää class ( 3 vessels ) ||||||||
| 40 | Katanpää | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 7.2007 | | 4 May 2012 | | |
| 41 | Purunpää | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 3.2008 | | 20 August 2013 | | |
| 42 | Vahterpää | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 2.2009 | | 4 November 2014 | | |
| Royal Malaysian Navy – Mahamiru class ( 4 vessels ) ||||||||
| 11 | Mahamiru | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | | | 11 December 1985 | | |
| 12 | Jerai | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | | | 11 December 1985 | | |
| 13 | Ledang | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | | | 11 December 1985 | | |
| 14 | Kinabalu | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | | | 11 December 1985 | | |
| Nigerian Navy – Ohue class ( 2 vessels ) ||||||||
| M 371 | Ohue | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 23 July 1984 | 22 November 1985 | 28 May 1987 | | |
| M 372 | Marabai | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 11 March 1985 | 6 June 1986 | 25 February 1988 | | |
| United States Navy – Osprey class ( 12 vessels ) ||||||||
| MHC-51 | Osprey | Intermarine USA | | | 1993 | 2006 | Sold for scrap in 2014 |
| MHC-52 | Heron | Intermarine USA | | | 1994 | 2007 | Sold to Greek Navy as HS Kalypso (M 64) |
| MHC-53 | Pelican | Avondale Shipyard Westwego (United States) | | | 1995 | 2007 | Sold to Greek Navy as HS Evniki (M 61) |
| MHC-54 | Robin | Avondale Shipyard Westwego (United States) | | | 1996 | 2006 | Sold for scrap in 2014 |
| MHC-55 | Oriole | Intermarine USA | | | 1995 | 2006 | Sold to Republic of China Navy (Taiwan) |
| MHC-56 | Kingfisher | Avondale Shipyard Gulfport (United States) | | | 1996 | 2007 | Sold for scrap in 2014 |
| MHC-57 | Cormorant | Avondale Shipyard Gulfport (United States) | | | 1997 | 2007 | Sold for scrap in 2014 |
| MHC-58 | Black Hawk | Intermarine USA | | | 1996 | 2007 | Sold for scrap in 2014 |
| MHC-59 | Falcon | Intermarine USA | | | 1997 | 2006 | Sold to Republic of China Navy (Taiwan) |
| MHC-60 | Cardinal | Intermarine USA | | | 1997 | 2007 | Sold to the Egyptian Navy, renamed as al Sedeeq (MHC-521) |
| MHC-61 | Raven | Intermarine USA | | | 1998 | 2007 | Sold to the Egyptian Navy, renamed as al Farouk (MHC-524) |
| MHC-62 | Shrike | Intermarine USA | | | 1999 | 2007 | Sold for scrap in 2014 |
| Republic of China Navy (Taiwan) – ( 6 vessels ) ||||||||
| | First hull | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | | | 2019 | | Project 242 |
| | 2nd–3rd-4th–5th-6th hull | Ching Fu Shipbuilding Co Ltd (Taiwan) | | | 2023 | | |
| Royal Thai Navy – Lat Ya class ( 2 vessels ) ||||||||
| MHC 633 | Lat Ya | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 1998 | | 1999 | | |
| MHC 634 | Tha Din Daeng | Intermarine Spa Sarzana (La Spezia) | 1988 | | 1999 | | |

## Citations

* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sharpe (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996–97, p. 352
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 Busquets, Minehunters, Patrol Boats and Logistics, p. 7
* ↑ "Italian minehunters to be upgraded with Thales 2093 sonar | Thales Group". Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
* 1 2 3 Busquets, Minehunters, Patrol Boats and Logistics, p. 15
* 1 2 3 4 Busquets, Minehunters, Patrol Boats and Logistics, p. 16
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sharpe (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996–97, p. 430
* ↑ "Malaysia Buying European on Air, Anti-Air, and Naval Fronts (updated)". Defense Industry Daily. 9 December 2005. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2008.
* 1 2 3 4 5 Sharpe (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996–97, p. 473
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sharpe (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996–97, p. 829
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Sharpe (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships, 1996–97, p. 29
* 1 2 3 4 5 Sharpe (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships, 1998–99, p. 703
* 1 2 Saunders (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships 2008–2009, p. 798
* 1 2 Saunders, Stephen, ed. (2008). Jane's Fighting Ships 2008–2009 (111th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group. p. 226. ISBN 978-0-7106-2845-9. OCLC 225431774.
* ↑ "Kang Keong / Swallow Class MHC". GlobalSecurity.org. Archived from the original on 23 October 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
* ↑ "Algeria Prepares To Receive LPD Amid Defense Spending Boost". archive.ph. 3 February 2014.
* ↑ "EL-KASSEH 1 Cacciamine Intermarine per l'Algeria". www.portaledifesa.it. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
* ↑ "Difesa: Consegnata a la Spezia nave cacciamine "El Kasseh 1" a Marina algerina". Archived from the original on 4 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
* ↑ https://www.facebook.com/provinciadellaspezia/posts/2045272918845472?__xts__[0]=68.ARCNuzgCkvzvqFFBeCrSEFeb9h7RhOLDLg82At3469X61p-vpQFR7fRxQywMghJxUqQQ2y6B7U7ndYouiydHeMJ1-ZNtJAwfgSABr-AnCLDHUlFOUgSA2-xc5fUr2VBnuFkHCJ8tvpuzfRyfSg1gVGnqopVBpEo-8FyTmNFpPp0wEpkUcy6ik1mq5aBozlKf5DuTcD_BOxTeMDe-lrm2ca32FWi0qMYTufm9zQ_P1ZkAtotjhO4UfIqRnmtzIUoEG4ci7YY2Dl8mTU86NlEG7r_JRVpReADf0GKJMq437R0iTrSI-B5xEP6odFxkb-k1CCvHFBv_tcRbmDUDNfInJWqz9A&__tn__=-R
* ↑ "Intermarine Italian shipyard delivers el Kasseh 2 minesweeper vessel to Algerian Navy". www.navyrecognition.com. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
* ↑ Royal Australian Navy (30 May 2024). HMAS Huon (II) Decommissioning. Retrieved 22 September 2024 – via YouTube.
* ↑ "Taiwan's Ching Fu says wins bid to build minesweepers for navy". Reuters. 30 October 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2017.