Lupo-class

The Lupo class is a series of multipurpose guided-missile frigates developed by Cantieri Navali Riuniti (CNR) for the Italian Navy. Initiated in the early 1970s, the design program addressed an increased Soviet naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea. The class was designed for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and achieved export sales to Peru and Venezuela. Production included 18 vessels built by CNR, Fincantieri, and SIMA.

The design utilizes a CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion scheme. Electronic systems include the Selenia SADOC 2 combat management system, early warning radars, surface search radars, and fire control radars. The class is equipped with hull sonar, ESM and ECM systems, and torpedo decoys. Aviation facilities consist of a flight deck and a hangar; Italian and Iraqi-built variants were equipped with telescopic hangars, while Peruvian units utilize fixed hangars. Some Peruvian vessels were modified with extended flight decks to facilitate the landing and refueling of Sea King helicopters.

The Italian Navy commissioned four units between 1977 and 1980. These vessels served as tanker escorts in the Persian Gulf during the final stages of the Iran-Iraq War and participated in the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Following modernization in the 1990s, the four original Italian ships were decommissioned and sold to Peru.

A second group of four vessels, ordered by Iraq in 1980, was completed between 1985 and 1987. These ships remained interned in Italy due to arms sale restrictions and a subsequent United Nations embargo. In 1993, the Italian government seized the vessels, commissioning them into the Italian Navy as the Soldati class between 1994 and 1996. These were refitted for patrol duties, which included the removal of anti-submarine warfare equipment.

Peru ordered four vessels in 1973, designated the Carvajal class. Two were built in Italy and two were constructed under license by SIMA in Callao. The Peruvian Navy later expanded its fleet by acquiring the four former Italian Navy vessels between 2004 and 2006. In 2013, one unit was transferred to the Peruvian Coast Guard.

Venezuela commissioned six units, known as the Mariscal Sucre class, between 1980 and 1982. Two of these ships underwent upgrades by Ingalls Shipbuilding between 1998 and 2002, receiving new combat management systems, 3D air/surface radars, and hull sonars. By late 2022, several Venezuelan units were recorded as out of service, partially sunk, or scrapped.