In a historic display of naval cooperation, the Indian Navy and the Italian Navy conducted their first-ever joint Carrier Strike Group (CSG) exercise last week.
This landmark event saw the INS Vikramaditya, India's flagship aircraft carrier, sail alongside the ITS Cavour, Italy's newest carrier, in a series of complex maneuvers and drills.
The exercise, which took place off India's west coast, marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral maritime ties between the two nations.
A CSG is a powerful naval formation centered around an aircraft carrier, supported by destroyers, frigates, and other vessels, designed to project power and ensure maritime dominance.
This bilateral engagement was conducted in two phases. Initially, a harbor phase facilitated expert exchanges, key interactions, and a Pre-Sail Planning Conference, which notably included the participation of the Indian Air Force.
The subsequent sea phase, held on October 5th and 6th, involved the INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour leading their respective CSGs, which included the INS Visakhapatnam, a stealth guided-missile destroyer, and ITS Alpino, an Italian frigate.
One of the highlights of the exercise was the seamless integration of the Indian Air Force, which conducted joint maneuvers with Italian CSG aircraft.
These operations included large force engagements, air combat missions, and complex helicopter operations, showcasing the interoperability between the two navies.
A striking image released by the Indian Navy depicted Italian F-35B Lightning and Harrier jets flying in formation with Indian MiG-29s over the INS Vikramaditya.
The joint exercise also featured coordinated weapon firings and search and rescue missions, further demonstrating the high level of coordination and cooperation achieved between the two navies.
The Indian Navy emphasized that these operations were designed to "underscore joint operations and Command & Control capabilities and enhance interoperability."
This historic exercise comes on the heels of increased naval cooperation between India and Italy. In 2023, Italy joined the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI), further solidifying its commitment to regional stability.
This was followed by a port call in Mumbai by the Italian Navy Ship (ITS Morosini) in August 2023 and the participation of the Italian Navy in the MILAN 2024 Naval Exercises held off the coast of Vishakapatnam in February 2024.
