Italian Frigate Maestrale Country: Italy Type: Frigate Service: 1981 - 2008 Ships in class: 8

The Maestrale class are a class of frigates in the Marina Militare (Italian Navy). The class is composed of eight vessels built by Fincantieri S.p. A, Riva Trigoso and Fincantieri S.p.A. - Muggiano, La Spezia. The Maestrale class frigates were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The Maestrale class frigates have substantial in anti-aircraft and anti-surface capabilities. The ships of the Maestrale class are scheduled to be replaced by the Rinascimento class starting in 2011.