Italian aircraft carrier ‘Cavour’ anchors in Karachi amid strengthening bilateral relations

The Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, featuring the aircraft carrier Cavour and the frigate Alpino, arrived in Karachi on Monday for a visit which will last until Wednesday.

Named after the renowned Italian statesman Camillo Benso di Cavour, the aircraft carrier Cavour displaces 27,800 tons, spans 244 meters in length, and has a beam of 40 meters. The frigate ITS Alpino, on the other hand, is a 6,700-ton vessel, measuring 144 meters long and 19.7 meters wide. The Cavour boasts an impressive operational history, having been deployed in the Persian Gulf and circumnavigated the African continent. Notably, in 2021, it integrated with the UK Carrier Strike Group. Since June 1, 2024, the Carrier Strike Group has been actively engaging in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a press conference aboard ITS Cavour, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Marilina Armellin remarked, “This marks the fourth visit of an Italian naval vessel to the port of Karachi, following the earlier visits of three frigates. However, this is the first occasion our aircraft carrier has graced Pakistan’s shores, underscoring the deepening friendship between Rome and Islamabad.” She further highlighted that both nations are committed to expanding and diversifying their bilateral and multilateral relationships.

The ambassador emphasized, “The presence of the Italian Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific illustrates Italy’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with valued partners like Pakistan, ensuring the security of international maritime routes. We view Pakistan as a strategic partner for regional security, with defense being a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. Italy has consistently participated in the Aman Exercises, and our defense industries have regularly showcased at the IDEAS fairs. This year, I will join a delegation from our Ministry of Defence to the next IDEAS event in November.” Additionally, she mentioned, “In December, our iconic training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, will also be visiting Karachi.”

Ambassador Armellin noted, “We have a sizable Pakistani community in Italy, and while trade between our countries currently stands at $2 billion, there’s significant potential for growth, with projections suggesting it could rise to $5 billion.”

Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri of the Italian Navy also addressed the audience, stating that the inaugural operational campaign of the Italian Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific represents a strategic initiative by the Italian Defence to enhance regional defense capabilities. He explained, “The evolving defense dynamics in the Indo-Pacific can influence the free trade of goods and services and the overall trade relations extending to the Mediterranean Sea.”

Rear Admiral Barbieri reiterated the importance of maintaining control over maritime routes, saying, “Deploying the Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific allows Italian Defence to fortify and solidify strategic capabilities beyond traditional operational boundaries, ensuring that maritime lines of communication remain secure.”

The Commanding Officer of the Carrier Strike Group, Rear Admiral Giancarlo Ciappina, expressed his satisfaction at collaborating with Italy’s allies, stating, “Our presence here sends a powerful message of solidarity with our allies and partners.”