With a fleet of eight mine countermeasure vessels, the Italian Navy stands out as a global leader in this specialized field. These ships are now ready for possible deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, echoing a similar mission during the 1987 Gulf crisis.

Relatively compact - about 50 meters long and 10 meters wide, with a displacement of 500 tons - these vessels carry crews of around 50 personnel. Their hulls are made from low-magnetic materials such as fiberglass, reducing the risk of triggering naval mines.

Mine detection relies on sonar systems that scan the seabed by emitting sound waves and interpreting their echoes, effectively creating detailed underwater images. Once a potential threat is identified, remotely operated underwater drones equipped with cameras are used for closer inspection.

Highly trained Navy divers also play a key role, specializing in explosive ordnance disposal. In some cases, drones themselves can neutralize threats. Each vessel is equipped with a hyperbaric chamber to treat diving-related injuries, ensuring immediate medical support if needed.

In a single day, these ships can map up to ten square miles of mined seabed, depending on conditions. Based in La Spezia, they have located thousands of explosive devices over the years and continue to conduct clearance operations along Italian coasts, often dealing with unexploded ordnance dating back to World War II.