Those boats are designed by the Italian company Luciano Facchini and manufactured in Greece by the local shipbuilder Supertermoli based in Kallithea. Gregory Rodopoulos, owner of the shipbuilding site tells us more details about these boats and their objectives on the market.
ST60s are a 18.60 meters-long boat weighting 24 tons at full load with a possibility to embark up to 20 commandos. Depending on the engines installed, they can reach a top speed of more than 60 knots and sail over 400 nautical miles. The company claims that the newer models should excess 70 knots. Those models are made of fiberglass specifically designed for special operations.
Even though, ST60 multi-mission interceptors are designed for special forces, they can accomplish a wide range of other missions as SAR, coast guard, fast attack etc.
This type of boat is available in 2 versions: Phobos and Deimos, fitted with different weapon configuration in order to conduct different missions. Indeed, Deimos’ weapons consist in two remotely weapon systems (RWS) located in the bow (12.7mm or 20mm) with an additional 12.7mm RWS fitted on top of the bridge. However, it can only embark 10 commandos unlike the Phobos version which can carry a maximum of 20 fully equipped commandos.
In terms of new weapons system that could be fitted, Supertermoli is currently discussing with the Italian company Leonardo about the possibility to integrates Lionfish 12.7 ultralight gun.
Regarding the ballistic protections, Grogoryh Rodopoulos outlined that everything is conceived and integrated at the design phase:
“It is to be noticed that anti-ballistic protections are integrated in the design and not added after the construction. So, there is no extra weight.”
The Phobos variant is currently in service with the Italian Guardia di Finanza as well as in the Greek DYK (Dioikisy Ypovrixion Kastrofon) unit, the Hellenic Navy’s Special Forces Underwater Demolition Command in its Phobos variant, since 2003.
In terms of export, they are very present in the Middle East (United Arab Emirates) as well as in Africa, described as the the biggest market at this moment. For instance, Egypt shown some interests in these models for their special forces with a few modifications, specially the capability to embark a RHIB. If so, the boat would be able to carry only 6 commandos. Mr. Rodopoulos told Naval News that negotiations are still underway. The company made a proposal and a presentation to the Egyptian authorities last December. The need would be for 10 boats in total, 5 Phobos and 5 Deimos. Gregory Rodopoulos hopes to sign a deal by year-end. Philippines could also be interested.
