 Data map: Italian “Mistral” class frigate Xinhua Times reported on December 18 that the fifth “Alpino” of the 10 frigates purchased by Italy was launched, according to the China National Defense Science and Technology Information Network. The ship will enter service in 2016 and can operate in various situations. The ship is 144 meters long, 19.7 meters wide, has a full load displacement of 6,700 tons, a speed of 27 knots, and a crew of about 200 people. The ship represents the advanced level of European ships and will replace the “Wolf” class and “Mistral” class frigates built by the Italian Shipbuilding Finance Group in the 1970s. The main contractor for the Italian side of this class of ships is Italian Warship Systems Engineering Company (Italian Shipbuilding Financial Group holds 51% of the shares and Finmeccanica holds 49%), and the main contractor for the French side is Amaris (provided by DCNS Joint venture with Thales). (Hua Zhengming) | 