The construction of the conventional powered ''[[Marina Militare]]'' STOVL aircraft carrier [[Cavour (C552550)|''Cavour'']] began in 2001. It is being built by [[Fincantieri]] of Italy. After much delay, ''Cavour'' is expected to enter service in 2008 to complement the Marina Militare aircraft carrier [[Giuseppe Garibaldi (551)|''Giuseppe Garibaldi'']]. A second aircraft carrier in the 25-30,000 tonne range is much desired by the Italian Navy, to replace the already decommissioned helicopter carrier [[Italian aircraft carrier Vittorio Veneto|''Vittorio Veneto'']], but for budgetary reasons all further development is on hold. It is provisionally called [[Alcide de Gasperi]].
