The vessel is on a five-month deployment in the region. This stop strengthens Italian-Japanese cooperation and demonstrates Rome’s commitment to the strategic area
The Morosini, one of the most modern Italian Navy military ships, arrived today at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan. It will remain docked there until June 27th and will be open for visits.
- The Morosini is the second of the seven Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels which are part of the renewal plan of the Italian Navy fleet.
- The ship is designed with enhanced “dual use” features to perform both military tasks (including patrol, logistic transport, and surface combat) and civil protection activities. The two aft modular zones may receive and handle mission-tailored containers, such as logistic and healthcare modules, and may embark Special Forces or command staff.
- The patrol vessel was entirely built in Italy, at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano (La Spezia).
The stop in Japan “strengthens Italian-Japanese cooperation and demonstrates Italy’s commitment to a strategic area such as the Indo-Pacific,” the Italian embassy in Japan tweeted.
- The Morosini left Italy on April 6th and will be on a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
- According to Naval News, the Morosini will call in fifteen ports of fourteen countries across the area up to Japan and South Korea “to promote freedom of navigation and the respect of international law of the sea alongside the conduction of naval diplomacy and maritime security missions.
- Last week, the Centro Alti Studi per la Difesa (CASD) and its Japanese counterpart, the Joint Staff College (JSC), signed a Declaration of Intent regarding training and research. The document, signed by Vice-Admirals Giacinto Ottaviani and Tatsuya Futakawa, covers cross-training, such as the mutual exchange of lecturers, the exchange of attendees, and the promotion of joint events.
Rome has deployed both the Morosini offshore patrol vessel and the Bergamini frigate in Indo-Pacific waters. Both ships are engaging in joint exercises with allies and upholding freedom of navigation.
- Additionally, Rome is looking to send its flagship aircraft carrier, the Cavour, between late 2023 and early 2024.
