An aircraft carrier from the Italian Navy docks in Pakistan to strengthen defense cooperation

In an effort to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and regional maritime security, the Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group—which consists of an aircraft carrier and a frigate—arrived in Karachi for a three-day voyage.

The Italian fleet is in town, and on Monday it arrived in Karachi with the aircraft carrier Cavour and the frigate Alpino.

Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Marilina Armellin and senior officers of the Pakistan Navy greeted the delegation upon their arrival.

This is Pakistan’s first-ever visit from an Italian aircraft carrier.

“The Pakistan Navy released a statement on Monday stating that the Italian Navy Carrier Strike Group, which consists of the frigate Alpino and aircraft carrier Cavour, arrived in Karachi on a three-day visit followed by a bilateral exercise.”

To discuss “matters of mutual interest including interoperability and avenues for future collaboration,” a delegation headed by Armellin and Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri paid a visit to Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, the Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, according to the Pakistan Navy.

Additionally, Italian Commanding Officer Captain Francesco Fagnani briefed Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, the Commander of Karachi, on the capabilities of the aircraft carrier during his visit, which took place in Cavour.

During the event, Marilina Armellin, the Italian ambassador to Pakistan, stated, “Three frigates have already made port visits to Karachi, making this the fourth time an Italian ship has come here.” This is our first visit to Pakistan with our aircraft carrier, though. Islamabad and Rome are becoming closer and closer friends.