As part of its Indo-Pacific deployment, the Italian Navy participated for the first time in the multinational Exercise Pitch Black 24 with the aircraft carrier Cavour and its embarked air group. For this occasion, the Marina Militare highlighted fifth-generation F-35B and AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft, both capable of vertical takeoff and landing, complemented by NH90 helicopters, which are part of the standard rotary-wing equipment aboard the Cavour.
The event, which will conclude tomorrow, August 2, included the participation of the Cavour’s Air Group in various missions focused on enhancing interoperability and joint operations with the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy, as well as the twenty nations involved in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. One of the most notable exercises was the exchange of helicopters with a French Navy frigate.
Regarding embarked air operations, the Cavour’s commander, Captain Milos Argenton, explained that the aircraft carrier operated using the Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) technique for the F-35B and AV-8B. In this context, he stated, “For takeoff, the aircraft are positioned between 300 and 250 feet from the end of the ramp (Ski Jump), and take off using speed, as well as engines that rotate downward.”
As announced by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the 2024 edition of the Multinational Exercise Pitch Black promises to be the largest and most significant in its 43-year history. This is due, in part, to the participation of 140 aircraft of various types and 4,500 personnel from 20 nations, as well as the first-time participation of many countries, such as Spain, in the exercise. One of the most significant milestones in European involvement in the Indo-Pacific is the presence of the Cavour and its escort.
Throughout its deployment, the Italian aircraft carrier was accompanied by the FREMM frigate (Bergamini class) Alpino (F 594) and the multipurpose patrol vessel Raimondo Montecuccoli (P 432), from the new Thaon di Revel class. Among allied units, the presence of the Spanish Navy frigate Numancia (F-83) was notable. Finally, the Cavour will return to Italy on November 5, after a five-month deployment in which it has conducted a significant number of exercises, operations, and activities.
Image credits: Australian Air Force
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