Indian and Italian Navies Showcase Naval Prowess in 'Bridges of Friendship' Exercise

Indian and Italian naval forces held a historic Carrier Strike Groups exercise from October 1-6 off India's west coast. The exercise, named 'Bridges of Friendship,' highlighted joint operations and enhancements in interoperability, including contributions by the Indian Air Force and various sea and air combat missions.

The Indian and Italian navies successfully concluded a significant maritime exercise off the western coast of India, marking their first use of Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) in a joint exercise. This six-day operation, commencing on October 1, was celebrated for enhancing bilateral naval cooperation between the two nations.

The exercise incorporated a wide range of activities, starting with a harbour phase that involved expert exchanges and strategic discussions, including a Pre-Sail Planning Conference with participation from the Indian Air Force. The collaboration underscored the flexibility and strategic capabilities of CSGs, which operate seamlessly in both confined and open waters.

On October 5 and 6, the sea phase was led by the flagship carriers INS Vikramaditya from India and ITS Cavour from Italy, alongside ships INS Visakhapatnam and ITS Alpino. Operations included air combat missions, helicopter operations, and coordinated weapon firings, emphasizing joint command and control capabilities. Under the title 'Bridges of Friendship,' the exercise also highlighted Italian and Indian Air Force cooperation, significantly bolstering military interoperability.

(With inputs from agencies.)