Italian aircraft carrier Cavour departs for Indo-Pacific, scheduled to visit Japan in August.

According to information published by NHK on June 1, 2024, the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour departed from the southern port of Taranto, setting course for the Indo-Pacific region. The vessel is scheduled to make its first-ever port call in Japan in late August.
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Italian Navy's aircraft carrier Cavour. (Picture source: Marina Militare)

According to officials from the Italian Navy, the Cavour left Taranto on the morning of June 1st, bound for the Indo-Pacific. Following stops in Australia and other locations, the carrier is expected to reach Japan towards the end of August.

In recent years, European nations have increasingly focused on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with the rise of Chinese maritime activities. The UK and France have dispatched aircraft carriers and frigates. Last year, Italy sent a patrol vessel to Japan.

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Italy is increasingly turning its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific region. A key component of Italy's strategy involves the deployment of the Cavour Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific. This marks the first time such a deployment will occur.

This move is part of Italy's broader effort to participate in major naval exercises, including RIMPAC 2024, the world's largest naval exercise that has historically involved Indo-Pacific nations but is increasingly seeing participation from European countries​​.

In 2023, the Italian Navy showcased its commitment to the region by sending the Thaon di Revel-class patrol vessel Francesco Morosini on a six-month mission to Southeast Asia. This deployment included visits to key ports, participation in defense exhibitions, and joint exercises with regional partners such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore.