Navy: Collateral gains from the presence of “Hydra”

Learning useful lessons about how modern operations are conducted in real combat is his greatest gain. Navy (P.N.) from her involvement frigate “Hydra” against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the framework of Mission “Shields” of the EU in the Gulf of Aden.

Early yesterday morning, the frigate’s crew, using the 5-inch bow gun, engaged two UAVs that had reached a distance of approximately five nautical miles from the merchant ship of EU interests. accompanied by “Hydra”.

One of them was shot down, while the second continued on its way. It is worth noting that the two UAVs, believed to be controlled by Houthi rebel forces, were detached from a group of a total of eight flying in the area.

It is recalled that in the previous UAV engagement of the “Hydra” frigate on March 13, the UAVs had been at a similar distance (4.5 kilometers), without, however, at that time either of the two that had alerted the crew being shot down.

On the record, the last time it was recorded operational experience in real conditions it was in 1974, during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Since then the P.N. it has been at the center of operations to remove civilians of a humanitarian nature (Abkhazia, Lebanon, Libya), without however being involved in military action.

Experienced observers describe the engagement of the “Hydra” frigate as “free education” against a system (UAV) which in the event of a crisis in the Aegean will have to face the P.N.

In fact, it is particularly useful to gain experience from the action of a ship that was designed and built before UAVs and drones begin to pose a widespread military threat. Obviously, the reflexes of the crew are tested, as well as the ability to adapt to the real conditions. C

for example, in both attacks faced by the “Hydra” the commander chose the 5 inch gun rather than the ESSM guided missiles. In the engagements to date, the commander of the frigate “Hydra” and the Italian destroyer “Caio Duilio” have chosen the guns as a more effective weapon and in relation to the cost, as a missile has a much higher cost than the UAVs used by the Houthis for their operations in the Gulf of Aden.

In contrast, for example, to the commanders of the French and German warships participating in the operation, who in all threats preferred the use of missiles.