As part of her counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia, EU NAVFOR’s Italian warship, ITS Espero, has an Agusta-Bell AB 212 helicopter embarked. This highly capable helicopter provides the commanding officer with much-needed versatility, speed and range, as well as an intelligence-gathering capability.

The helicopter can be deployed at short notice to investigate suspicious piracy activity at sea.  It can also be deployed to assist seafarers in distress.

ITS Espero is currently deployed as part of the European Union’s efforts to deter and disrupt piracy off the coast of Somalia and to help protect World Food Programme vessels as they deliver vital aid by sea to the people of Somalia.  She will return home to her base port of Taranto in Italy towards the end of July.