Italy has deployed its flagship aircraft carrier, the Cavour, to Australia for the first time to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. The carrier, one of the smallest in the world, arrived in Darwin on July 8, accompanied by the Alpino FREMM frigate. The deployment marks Italy’s first venture into the Indo-Pacific region, as the Cavour and its air group, including eight F-35Bs, engage in complex training operations from July 12 to August 2.
The Italian carrier strike group’s participation in Pitch Black is historic. Commanding Officer Captain Milos Argenton emphasized the significance of Italy’s involvement, noting that this is the first time an Italian aircraft carrier has joined the exercise. The Cavour, capable of accommodating 13 jets and two NH90 helicopters, and the Alpino frigate showcase Italy’s naval capabilities and commitment to international cooperation.
The exercise, which includes 140 aircraft and over 4,000 personnel from 20 nations, is the largest in its 43-year history. It is taking place amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China’s territorial claims conflict with international freedom of navigation operations.
Italian instructors have integrated the presence of unidentified drones, suspected to be hostile, into their training regimen, reflecting the real-world conditions Ukrainian soldiers face against Russian drones. Lieutenant Colonel Roland Bösker noted the impossibility of jamming all drone frequencies without disrupting communications, thus emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance.
Exercise Pitch Black features extensive participation from various nations. The U.S. has sent six F-22 Raptors for the first time, and new participants include the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea. Italy has deployed six F-35A and F-35B aircraft, four Eurofighters, a KC-767 refueling aircraft, and an E-550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning aircraft, along with approximately 400 air force members.
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