Italy forward-deploys MCM vessels with AUV/ROV suite for Hormuz mine threat

Italy is pre-positioning Gaeta-class mine countermeasures vessels for potential Strait of Hormuz operations, highlighting modern MCM built around unmanned underwater vehicles (HUGIN, REMUS 300 with Kraken SAS, Pluto Plus/Gigas) and upgraded sonar/C2 suites. The novelty is the operational emphasis on AUV/SAS-enabled minehunting and seabed/critical infrastructure surveillance as a forward-deployed package rather than routine patrol activity.