Sauro
The Sauro class of submarines has been in service with the Italian Navy since 1980. Of the original six submarines, two (the Fecia Di Cossato and the Leonardo Da Vinci) were retired in late 2005 and the remaining four (the Pelosi, the Prini, the Longobardo, and the Priaroggia) have benefitted from a slew of upgrades. The Prini, Longobardo and Priaroggia, in particular, have upgraded sensor capabilities, more robust command and control, new weapons systems (including Sub-Harpoon), and inertial satellite navigation systems. These three ships, known as the Sauro II class, utilized a different method of construction. These units are constructed in four sections that are prepared in parallel. The entire class will be replaced by Type 212A submarines that use an air-independent propulsion system. To this end, the Sauro-class submarines are being used as technology testbeds for the Type 212A.
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