Primo Longobardo-class

Primo Longobardo (S 524) is a Sauro-class submarine of the Italian Navy. Fincantieri constructed the vessel at the Monfalcone shipyard. The boat was laid down in 1991, launched in 1992, and commissioned in 1993.

The submarine employs diesel-electric propulsion. Its electronic and sensor suite includes radar, sonar, and integrated combat systems provided by STN Atlas Elektronik and SMA. The vessel is equipped with both search and attack periscopes and electronic support measures for electronic warfare. While originally designed to deploy wire-guided torpedoes and naval mines, the submarine was later modified to support anti-ship missiles.

Based in La Spezia, Primo Longobardo conducts maritime surveillance in the Mediterranean. These operations include counter-terrorism missions, the repression of drug trafficking, and the control of illegal immigration. The vessel also monitors hydrocarbon pollution for environmental protection. Its operational history includes participation in national training exercises such as Open Sea and Tirnav, as well as specialized submarine rescue and special operations training with the San Marco Brigade. On an international level, the vessel has deployed for NATO campaigns in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, participating in exercises such as Noble Manta and Dynamic Guard. In 2011, the boat assisted the NATO Underwater Research Center in testing acoustic and magnetic sensors and conducting trials with autonomous underwater vehicles.