Incursori

Incursori. The Incursori are the principal special operations force of the Italian Navy, forming a key component of the Comando Subacquei ed Incursori (COMSUBIN). Tracing their lineage to the famed Decima Flottiglia MAS of the Second World War, they are specialized in maritime counter-terrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance. Their operations are characterized by high-risk amphibious and underwater missions, often conducted in close coordination with allied special forces units like the United States Navy SEALs and the British Special Boat Service.

Introduction

The unit's origins are deeply rooted in the innovative and audacious naval commandos of the Regia Marina during the Second World War, particularly the exploits of the Decima Flottiglia MAS. This heritage was formally re-established in the post-war era, with the modern Incursori force being officially constituted as part of the rebuilt Italian Navy. As the maritime component of Italy's special operations forces, they fall under the operational command of the Comando Operativo di Vertice Interforze (COVI) and work alongside the Army's 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment and the Air Force's 17th Raiders Wing. Their primary mandate encompasses the protection of national maritime interests and critical infrastructure, such as offshore oil platforms and major ports like the Port of Genoa.

Design and Development

The selection and training pipeline for an Incursore is notoriously arduous, modeled on the rigorous standards of the world's premier special forces. The process begins at the San Bartolomeo Barracks in La Spezia, home to the COMSUBIN headquarters and training school. Candidates undergo extreme physical and psychological stress during the initial phase, which includes exhaustive tests in the cold waters of the Ligurian Sea. Successful trainees progress to specialized instruction in advanced combat diving using rebreathers and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles, demolition, close quarters battle (CQB), free-fall parachuting, and combat medicine. This training regimen ensures operational capability in diverse environments, from the Mediterranean Sea to arid coastal regions.

Operational History

Since their modern inception, the Incursori have been deployed in numerous international conflicts and security operations. They played a significant role in the Lebanon War and the Gulf War, conducting vital reconnaissance and interdiction missions. During the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War, units were active in the Adriatic Sea, supporting NATO embargo enforcement and conducting coastal surveillance. In the 21st century, they have been consistently engaged in the War in Afghanistan, operating in the Helmand Province, and in the Iraq War, as part of the multinational coalition. Their duties have also included anti-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa and protecting commercial shipping in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.

Variants and Upgrades

While "Incursori" refers to the personnel, their operational effectiveness is enabled by specialized teams and continuously evolving equipment. The force includes distinct groups such as the Guerriglia Mariittima (GO), focused on direct action and sabotage, and the Gruppo Operativo Incursori (GOI), the primary counter-terrorism unit. Equipment upgrades have transitioned the force from older M16 rifle variants to modern Beretta ARX160 assault rifles and Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns. Their maritime mobility is enhanced by the use of advanced Comsubin delivery vehicles and fast interceptor craft, while tactical communications and surveillance technology are regularly updated to maintain interoperability with allies like SOCOM.

Combat Performance

The Incursori are renowned for their professionalism and effectiveness in complex maritime environments. A key demonstration of their capability was the successful boarding and securing of the hijacked cruise ship Achille Lauro in 1985, although the perpetrators had already disembarked. Their expertise in underwater demolitions and harbor penetration remains a cornerstone of their tactical portfolio, a direct legacy of their Decima Flottiglia MAS forebears who targeted allied shipping in harbors like Alexandria and Gibraltar. Evaluations in joint exercises such as Dynamic Mariner and Trident Juncture with NATO partners consistently highlight their high level of proficiency in integrated special operations warfare.

Legacy and Impact

The Incursori maintain a storied place within the tapestry of Italian Armed Forces and the global special operations community. They are the custodians of a formidable historical legacy, symbolized by the preserved human torpedo Maiale on display at the Sacrario delle Bandiere in Rome. Their ongoing evolution ensures they remain a pivotal asset for the Italian Republic, contributing to national security and international stability through NATO and European Union missions. The unit's ethos, combining historical daring with modern tactical precision, continues to define Italy's premier naval commandos. Category:Italian special forces Category:Military units and formations of Italy