IT Andrea Doria (D 553) is coming soon!

Where the rugged slopes of the Ligurian Apennines plunge into the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Genoa rises in all its splendor — the magnificent “La Superba” (The Proud). An ancient maritime republic whose harbor descends in an amphitheater toward the bay, Genoa hides a grand history behind its maze of narrow streets and marble palazzi. For centuries, it was a cradle for some of Europe’s most fearless seafarers. In Italian culture, this majestic city has long been held in the highest regard, embodying the untamed freedom of the sea and the unshakable power of a maritime nation. And it was this very spirit of an uncompromising naval power that would repeatedly leave the ancient Ligurian shipyards, reborn in steel.

For many years, the Italian Navy has honored the memory of the great admiral Andrea Doria. Although he was born not in the Ligurian capital itself, but in the coastal town of Oneglia, this scion of an ancient patrician family would forever become Genoa’s greatest savior, restoring its independence and former glory. His immortal name was proudly carried by many of Italy’s most distinguished warships, and that proud legacy would eventually pass to today’s subject — a formidable destroyer destined to carry an air of aristocratic elegance through the storms of the open seas.

Historical Background

IT Andrea Doria (D 553) is a Horizon-class destroyer that entered service with the Italian Navy in 2007. Named after the renowned Genoese admiral of the Renaissance, the ship marked the Italian fleet’s transition into the technologies of the new millennium. Its sharply angled hull and superstructure were designed with strict stealth requirements in mind, significantly reducing its radar signature on the open sea. Unlike the heavily armed artillery ships of the first half of the 20th century, Andrea Doria relies primarily on high mobility and advanced electronic systems.

In keeping with its design philosophy, the ship’s weapon systems are built around modularity: the integration of modern surface-to-air missile systems, rapid-fire naval artillery, and electronic countermeasure systems allows the ship to respond flexibly to a wide range of threats. In modern naval warfare, survival depends on the ability to detect and intercept a target long before it can close the distance, and the Andrea Doria’s combat systems are fully geared toward this principle.

Gameplay

Playing the Italian newcomer essentially means taking on the role of a mobile gun emplacement that keeps up a relentless barrage. The enemy is hit by a storm of artillery shells, missiles, and rockets. With the right build, a careless opponent can lose more than half of their HP in a single salvo.

But what if you abandon long-range combat and charge straight into the thick of the battle? It can certainly be done, but keep in mind that the ship’s entire arsenal is geared almost exclusively toward dealing damage rather than staying alive. Its modest four AA mounts and pair of autocannons will do little more than fend off the occasional missile or an overly careless enemy aircraft. Against more serious threats, to put it mildly, this defensive armament simply won’t be enough.

Incidentally, the destroyer’s arsenal is practically a modular weapons kit: almost all of its combat systems can be swapped out for other available options. This greatly expands build variety and allows you to adapt the ship to a wide range of tactical objectives and playstyles.

Armament

1. Missile Battery (ASM) — Teseo MK2/E [x3]
2. Cannon — OTO Leonardo (127 mm) [x3]
3. Grenade Launcher — RUR-5B ASROC [x2]
4. Helicopter — RAH-66 Comanche [x1]
5. Autocannon — Oerlikon Millennium (35 mm) [x2]
6. Air Defense — Sea RAM [x2]
7. Air Defense — Sea RAM [x2]

Conclusion

IT Andrea Doria (D 553) is far more than a beautiful museum piece destined to gather dust in the harbor of some collector. Beneath its elegant Italian design lies immense combat potential. Taking this destroyer out of port is an open challenge to the entire enemy team. It is a machine that ruthlessly punishes the slightest mistake and generously rewards a captain’s skill, discipline, and tactical ingenuity.