Roma – 28 August 2024
“Following the results obtained by the Carrier Strike Group and the achievement of the objectives of the
embarked aerotactic component, today we can declare the achievement of Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) of the 5th generation national expeditionary sea based capability".
This is what the Chief of Staff of the Navy announced, team admiral
Enrico Credendino aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour, moored at Yokosuka Naval Base,
in Japan, as part of the Carrier Strike operational projection campaign in the Indo-Pacific
National group.
The Initial Operational Capability of the F-35B component – achieved after more than one year 2600 flight hours e
2700 maintenance interventions – certifies the ability to express, through 5th aircraft
generation embarked on the Cavour aircraft carrier, offensive and defensive missions to counteract the
air threat, of engaging land and naval targets and suppressing air defenses
enemies, projecting itself with the Carrier Strike Group into remote areas and in complete logistical autonomy.
The F-35B flight group established on the Cavour aircraft carrier, who achieved this significant
finish line, is made up of aircraft from the Navy's Embarked Air Group and the 32nd Wing
of the Air Force. The Navy and Air Force have achieved a growing synergy in recent years,
culminated during this projection campaign in the Indo-Pacific, which allowed
accelerate the process of developing a national capability of absolute value for Defence, that
further increases Italy's readiness and ability to contribute effectively, together with
allies, to global security and stability, wherever necessary.
Our country is the only one in the European Union to be able to express a Carrier Strike Group with assets
of the 5th generation and - together with the USA and the UK - constitutes the very small nucleus of NATO allies with this
capacity. In this key, the Carrier Strike Group with F-35Bs, it is a concrete expression of rank
of Italy as a medium regional power with a strong maritime connotation, and represents one
instrument of reassurance for allies or of deterrence towards potential adversaries: a
versatile and flexible device to project yourself and be influential wherever you need.
With the achievement of Initial Operational Capability it will be possible to promote new ones
opportunities for interoperability and interchangeability between Allies, thus conferring further
depth also to international cooperation.
“With the IOC – added Admiral Credendino – the Maritime Defense Component accomplishes
a notable step forward in expressing the ability to project forces from the sea also into
operational theaters far from the usual gravitation basins, for extended periods of time,
pursuing complete interoperability and interchangeability in joint operations with allies
e partner: one of the main objectives of the Carrier Strike Group Campaign in the Indo-Pacific".
Photo and Text: Navy – Public Information and Communication Office
