In a covert nighttime operation along the Tiber River, the Italian Navy’s special unit conducted a CBRN exercise to neutralise a simulated terrorist threat. The exercise highlights the growing importance of those capabilities and aligns with global concerns about the evolving nature of military threats, including the rise of biotechnology in warfare
Decoding the news. In the last few weeks, the Italian Navy’s special unit conducted a CBRN nighttime operation along the Tiber River to neutralise a simulated terrorist threat.
- The acronym CBRN defines chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials and agents that could potentially harm society through their accidental or deliberate release, dissemination, or impacts.
- This drill, part of the broader “Mare Aperto 25” exercise, underscores Italy’s readiness for complex hybrid warfare scenarios.
- They conducted a discreet exercise to avoid alarming the public.
The scenario. A simulated terrorist plot to contaminate a water supply near Ponte Galeria.
- During the operation, specialists from the Carabinieri’s Environmental Protection Command were called in to collect evidence after a simulated chemical release.
- The exercise showcased Italy’s integrated, inter-agency response to high-complexity threats.
Italy on point. The exercise—led by Italy’s Amphibious Forces of “San Marco” Marine Brigade—is part of a larger trend.
- A report by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, filed to the US Congress in April after two years of research and debate, warns that China is rapidly advancing in biotech and could weaponise these capabilities.
- The report, authored by key figures such as Senator Todd Young and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, highlights the need for the US to invest $15 billion in the next five years to keep pace.
- It underscores that biotech is becoming a crucial battlefield, where genetically enhanced capabilities may soon overshadow traditional warfare.
Between the Lines. The Italian exercise is a microcosm of modern military readiness: a coordinated effort that combines military forces, environmental specialists, and law enforcement to handle complex, hybrid threats.
- This integrated approach reflects the future of defence strategies, where resilience and multi-domain cooperation are paramount.
What we’re watching. As the global security environment evolves,
- Italy’s proactive approach in exercises like Mare Aperto showcases a commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats.
- The emphasis on CBRN readiness and inter-agency collaboration positions Italy as a leader in adapting to modern warfare’s increasingly complex nature.
