Indian Navy, Italian Navy Showcase Strength in Joint Carrier Strike Groups Exercise
Manish Shukla
The Indian Navy and Italian Navy have successfully completed a historic bilateral maritime engagement, held from October 1 to 6, off the west coast of India. This landmark exercise featured the maiden joint exercise by Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) from both navies, marking a significant milestone in their naval cooperation.
The exercise began with a harbour phase, where experts from both navies shared knowledge and best practices through Subject Matter Expert exchanges. A Pre-Sail Planning Conference was also held, which included participation from the Indian Air Force, laying the groundwork for the sea phase.
On October 5 and 6, the sea phase took place, led by two carriers, INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour, accompanied by INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino. The two CSGs conducted intense operations, showcasing their capabilities in combined Large Force Engagements, Air Combat Missions, Helo Operations, and Search and Rescue missions. Coordinated weapon firings and joint maneuvers demonstrated joint operations and Command & Control capabilities, enhancing interoperability.
The Indian Air Force played a key role, undertaking maneuvers with Italian CSG aircraft, including Large Force Engagements and Combat Missions. This marked a significant step forward in trilateral cooperation between the Indian Navy, Italian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
This joint exercise underscores the growing naval cooperation between India and Italy, highlighting their commitment to enhancing maritime security and stability in the region. Vice Admiral Aurelio De Carolis, Commander-in-Chief of the Italian Fleet, praised the Indian Navy’s excellence in the Indian Ocean, acknowledging their crucial role in combating piracy.
The successful completion of this exercise strengthens the bonds between the Indian and Italian navies, setting the stage for future collaborations and reinforcing their shared commitment to regional peace and security.
