Guardia Di Finanza purchases rigid inflatable boats from Zodiac

The Italian law enforcement agency, Guardia di Finanza has purchased Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB) from Zodiac Milpro International, in a bid to extend its capabilities to conduct fast patrols across domestic territorial waters.

Part of the Italian armed forces and controlled by the Economics and Finance Ministry, the Guardia di Finanza is responsible for curbing and tackling activities such as financial crime, smuggling, and drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

A total of 20 boats purchased by the agency include 15 Zodiac Hurricane ZH940 and five ZH1110 RIBs.

Capable of delivering exceptional performance and functionality, the 4.7m to 12m-long fast patrol boats offer fully loaded speeds of more than 30k in sea state 4, a range of over 200m and feature the Military Air Channelled Hull (Mach 2) that directs air to the boat’s keel.

Powered by two 300 HP Evinrude outboard engines, the ZH940 can reach speeds of over 45k when fully loaded, while the ZH1110 is fitted with three engines to deliver speeds in excess of 50k.

The boats are also available in different versions including inflatable and rigid inflatable boats with aluminium or fibreglass hull designs, inflatable or foam tubes, diesel inboard or petrol outboard engines.

The new boats will join the existing 600 boats and ships and over 100 aircraft that the service uses to help meet its operational requirements.