Italian aircraft carrier Cavour makes historic debut at Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.

According to information published by the Australian DoD on July 16, 2024, Italy’s flagship, the aircraft carrier Cavour, has successfully completed its participation in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.
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Italian Navy's aircraft carrier Cavour. (Picture source: Australian DoD)

The Cavour, a 244-meter vessel equipped with advanced aircraft including the F-35B and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, demonstrated Italy's commitment to enhancing military capabilities and strengthening international partnerships. Commanding Officer Captain Milos Argenton emphasized the strategic importance of Italy’s involvement in Pitch Black, noting the exercise's role in fostering interoperability and readiness in a challenging operational environment.

Captain Argenton highlighted that this was the first time Italy joined Exercise Pitch Black and the first time an aircraft carrier participated. He underscored that while the Cavour has traveled across the Atlantic and around Africa, this voyage marked its inaugural entry into the Indo-Pacific region. The ship accommodated over 600 personnel, 13 jets, and two NH90 helicopters during the exercise.

This deployment underscored the significance of Italy’s national interests and economic ties in the Indo-Pacific. Alongside the Cavour, the Italian Navy also deployed the Alpino frigate for the duration of Pitch Black.

Deployments of the Italian Navy

In 2023, the Italian Navy initiated a comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy, highlighted by the deployment of the PPA Francesco Morosini. This multipurpose offshore patrol vessel embarked on a six-month mission, marking its first operational deployment outside the Mediterranean.

The Morosini's mission included visits to key ports in Southeast Asia, participation in international defense exhibitions, and involvement in multinational exercises such as Komodo 2023 hosted by Indonesia​

The Italian Carrier Strike Group (CSG), centered around the flagship aircraft carrier Cavour, embarked on a five-month operational deployment beginning in June 2024. This deployment includes participation in major naval exercises and port visits across Southeast Asia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and the Middle East before returning to Italy in November.