Name Minerva class In commission 1987 Active 4 | Builders Fincantieri Completed 8 | |
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Operators Marina Militare
Bangladesh Coast Guard | ||
The Minerva class is a series of corvettes of the Italian Marina Militare. They were built in two batches of four units during the 1980s and 1990s. The ships have fairly good speed and armament, including a 76mm general-purpose gun, but, due to their emphasis on anti-submarine warfare, they lack anti-ship missile capabilities. These units are designed to operate in coastal areas. Their main missions include sea policing, patrol, fisheries protection, and naval commando training.
Leader Class OPV
Four ships of this class, namely Minerva, Urania, Danaide and Sibilla, were sold to Bangladesh Coast Guard. These ships were reclassified as Leader Class OPV. Before delivery, each ship's weapons and sensor systems were removed and replaced with one Oerlikon KBA 25mm gun and modern sensors appropriate to coast guard roles. A helipad was added at the stern of each ship to accommodate a search and rescue helicopter.