Gaeta-class (Lerici Second Series)

The Gaeta class is the second series of the Italian Lerici-class minehunters, built by Intermarine SpA at La Spezia. Eight ships were ordered between 1988 and 1991, launched in the early 1990s, and all commissioned by May 1996. The Gaeta subclass is nearly identical to the original Lerici design, with key differences: a 77-ton greater displacement, a hull 2.5 meters longer, and a repositioned communications mast. The ships feature fiberglass-reinforced plastic hulls to minimize magnetic signatures.

Each Gaeta-class vessel is equipped with a single GMT BL230-8M diesel engine driving a controllable-pitch propeller, complemented by three Riva Calzoni active rudders for precise low-speed maneuvering during mine hunting operations at 6 knots. The sensor suite includes an upgraded FIAR SQQ-14 variable-depth sonar and Gaymarine Pluto and Pluto GIGAS remotely operated mine disposal vehicles. A mid-life update program began in 2010, introducing the Thales 2093 Mk2 sonar, a new combat management system, and the Gaymarine Plutino expendable mine disposal vehicle.

The Gaeta/Lerici design has been one of the most successful MCM export platforms in history, spawning derivatives for the United States (Osprey class), Australia (Huon class), Finland (Katanpää class), Malaysia (Mahamiru class), Thailand (Lat Ya class), and Nigeria. South Korea's Ganggyeong class is an unlicensed derivative.