The Italian vessel Libra will be transferred to the Albanian Navy

The Italian Minister of Defense has announced that the patrol vessel Libra (P402) of the Italian Navy will be donated to Albania, where it will become the flagship of the small naval fleet based in Tirana. The Libra, stationed in Messina since August 15, 2014, is part of the First Patrol Squadron (COMSQUAPAT UNO) and operates under the Command of Patrol Forces for Coastal Surveillance and Defense (COMFORPAT), which in turn reports to the Chief of the Naval Fleet Command (CINCNAV).

The vessel’s main tasks include patrolling national coasts, monitoring fishing activities, controlling migration flows, search and rescue operations to safeguard human life at sea, and anti-pollution missions. Its primary operational role has always been Fisheries Surveillance through the “Constant Vigilance” operation, aimed at protecting national economic interests and enforcing international fishing regulations. This mission is primarily carried out in the Strait of Sicily.

Libra has a permanent crew of 64 personnel, including 3 officers, which increases to 81 during active sea operations.

In recent months, the ship has drawn significant attention for being used to transport migrants—awaiting deportation by Italy—to Albania. These individuals were transferred to the Libra at sea and taken to a detention center in Albania, sparking widespread controversy.