The Indian Navy and Italian Navy conducted a historic bilateral maritime engagement from October 1st to 6th. The engagement included the first-ever Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) exercise from both navies. The naval exercises took place on October 5th and 6th off India’s western coast to enhance interoperability. The sea phase, on 5 and 6 October, was led by the two carriers INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour along with INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino. The two-day exercises focused on air defence, maritime manoeuvres, and joint operations between the air arms of the two navies.
During the harbour phase, there were subject matter expert exchanges, other key professional interactions, and a pre-sail planning conference that involved the participation of the Indian Air Force, according to Indian Navy.
The two CSGs held intense operations with their integral fighter aircraft and helicopters for combined large-force engagements, air combat, helicopter, and search-and-rescue missions. They also coordinated weapon firings and joint manoeuvres to underscore joint operations and command-and-control capabilities and enhance interoperability.
According to the Navy statement, the IAF’s participation in the landmark exercise was a key facet. The Ind Force, which undertook manoeuvres with Italian CSG aircraft, including large-force engagements and combat missions.
The Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, consisting of the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and the frigate ITS Alpino, docked at Berth 9 of Mormugao Port for a port call on 1st October. The units of the Italian Navy Fleet, currently engaged in the first deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, moored at Mormugao from 1st to 4th October.
Team BharatShakti
