Audace class

   Both Ardito and Audace were laid down in 1968, launched in 1971 and commissioned in 1972. Based on the previous Impavido class, they are general purpose destroyers with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles plus anti-submarine torpedoes. They also carry a pair of torpedo-armed ASW helicopters, normally the AB 212ASW, although EH 101 operations can also be supported.

   When built, the Audace class deployed two 127-mm guns in single turrets but in both ships 'B' turret has been replaced by an octuple Selenia Albatros launcher for the semi-active radar-homing Aspide point defence missile system; long-range threats are dealt with by SM1MR Standard surface-to-air missiles launched from a single Mk 13 launcher.

   The primary anti-ship weapon is the OTO Melara/Matra Teseo Mk 2 sea-skimming missile which has 180-km range, flies at a speed of Mach 0.9, and carries a 210-kg warhead. Four twin launchers are carried amidships, two each angled to port and starboard. Gun armament comprises a single OTO Melara 127-mm DP weapon in a forward turret; this can engage aircraft out to a range of 7 km, or strike surface targets at a range of 23 km. In addition, both ships are equipped with four 76-mm OTO Melara DP weapons; Audace is armed with the Super Rapid version, while Ardito is fitted with a combination of Super Rapid and Compact guns of a similar caliber.

   Ardito was modernised in 1988 and Audace in 1991, and stern torpedo tubes have been removed. Both ships have also added improved electronic warfare equipment, and these vessels were used for the first ship trials of the EH 101 helicopter in 1992.

   Both ships have recently been decommissioned.