The Maestrale-class frigates were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), however the ships are highly flexible so they are also capable of anti-air and anti-surface operations.

Ships of this class have been widely used in various international missions, either under NATO or UN flag, and during normal operations of the Italian Navy.

The ships have a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

Mounted on the foredeck is an Oto Melara 127 mm/54 gun, capable of shooting 40 rounds per minute.

This modern weapon contains a monopulse guide and a powerful rocket-engine, and advanced flight controls.

The proximity fuses and the fire control systems help this unmanned turret to react quickly to incoming missiles.

Also on deck are four Otomat anti-ship missiles, capable of striking a target 180 km (110 mi) or more away, with a 210 kg (460 lb) warhead.

EW component is focused on Elettronica Spa MM/SLQ-746 ([2]) and two SCLAR rocket-launchers that are capable of launching chaff, flare, and HE rockets up to 10 km (6.2 mi).

The equipment present on the Maestrale-class ships is almost equal to what it was in 1982, except for a pair of 20 mm guns installed as 'anti-fast vessels close defense', in 2005.

[citation needed] A delegation from the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) inspected ships of both the Maestrale and Soldati classes of frigates during their visit to Italy in February 2012 as possible candidates for the Deep Water Patrol Vessel project of the Philippine Navy.

[5] A press conference by the DND on 2 August 2012 included the announcement of ongoing negotiations with the Italian government to purchase two Maestrale frigates for PhP 11.7 (approx.

[11] The two Maestrale class will be acquired and modernized by Fincantieri after the ships were retired from the Italian Navy.