The two ships departed from Taranto, Italy, on June 1 and proceeded toward the Indo-Pacific region. Upon their arrival, a welcoming ceremony was held, during which Rear Admiral Toshihiko Sawada, Commander of Escort Flotilla One of the JMSDF, took the stage and stated, “We believe the JMSDF and the Italian Navy are reliable partners of fate, tied by fundamental values and strategic interests under the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
In this deployment, Cavour is carrying the latest stealth fighter jets from both the Navy and Air Force, the F-35B, as well as the AV-8B, which the F-35B is set to replace. Prior to its port call in Japan, Cavour participated in joint exercises with various nations in locations such as Australia and Guam. Cavour and Alpino are scheduled to depart Yokosuka on the 27th, after which they will conduct joint exercises with the JMSDF.
In recent years, the Italian Navy has been increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Last year, in 2023, the second ship of the Thaon di Revel class, the latest Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel, Francesco Morosini, also made a port call at Yokosuka Base.
