Cavour arrived in Japan

The Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (C 550) and the frigate ITS Alpino (F 594) arrived on Thursday at the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. This was the first port call by the Cavour in Japan.

After remaining anchored there until August 27, the two ships will carry out joint exercises with the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to enhance cooperation in response to China’s growing maritime presence.

The Cavour, approximately 240 meters long, carries advanced aircraft, including the F-35B and the AV-8B Harrier II Plus. In photos taken as the vessel arrived at port, eight F-35Bs (included two from the Italian Air Force) and seven AV-8B+ Harrier IIs can be seen on the flight deck.

The two ships departed from Taranto on June 1, crossed the Indian Ocean, and conducted joint drills with the U.S. and Australian navies in the Pacific Ocean, including participation in the Pitch Black 2024 exercise.