An American aircraft carrier and an Italian frigate set sail: how the USA and Italy patrol the Mediterranean

In the Mediterranean, they showed strength again, this time in pairs. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the most advanced ship of the US Navy, entered the area of responsibility of the Sixth Fleet, and immediately began working in tandem with the allies. His first partner in the exercise was the Italian frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598), a modern FREMM—class ship known for its versatility and powerful electronics.

The company is not accidental: the United States and Italy have been working closely together in this region for a long time, and the Mediterranean Sea is a hotter place than it seems. There are migration crises, tensions with Russia, drone activity, and control of sea lanes. So joint operations are not just a flag display, but a real test of willingness to work together if necessary.

The American destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), ships with the Aegis fire control system capable of repelling missile and air attacks, also joined the Ford. Together with the Italian frigate, they practiced data exchange, patrolling, airspace control, and interaction tactics — all of which are important when a threat appears at sea.

The Spartaco Schergat frigate is not just a guest: It is one of the most modern ships of the Italian navy, capable of fighting submarines, missiles and airplanes. His participation shows that Italy is not just a NATO ally, but a full—fledged player in ensuring the security of the region.

Such exercises are like training before a fight: everyone learns to speak the same language, coordinate actions and trust each other. Because in a real conflict, seconds decide everything, and a good tandem is already half the success.

F-35Bs refueled and took off from HMS Prince of Wales for the first time before the Talisman Sabre exercises

In 2025, an important event took place within the framework of international military cooperation: F-35B stealth fighters of the United States Marine Corps successfully completed refueling and takeoff operations from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. This was part of his large—scale flagship campaign conducted as part of Operation High Mast, the key aircraft carrier deployment of the British Royal Navy this year.

These operations took place on the eve of one of the largest multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, Talisman Sabre, which underlines the strategic importance of this event. The participation of the F-35B in joint operations with the British flagship demonstrates the high degree of interoperability of the allied forces and the strengthening of their presence in a critically important region.

The British Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, embarked on an eight-month mission that will take place from the Mediterranean Sea, through the Indian Ocean, and end off the Pacific coast. Such a deeply symbolic and tactically significant deployment is aimed at strengthening defensive ties, demonstrating strength and increasing combat readiness in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

The participation of American fifth-generation fighters in logistical and combat operations with the British aircraft carrier also serves as a prime example of transatlantic partnership and technological synchronization. The joint actions of the F-35B and HMS Prince of Wales have shown the effectiveness of integrating the advanced systems and capabilities of the two countries into a single combat structure.

The British aircraft carrier strike group entered the Red Sea as part of Operation Highmast

Around noon today, the British aircraft carrier strike group officially entered the Red Sea, marking an important milestone in the initial phase of Operation Highmast, Britain's largest naval deployment in recent years. This strategic move demonstrates the growing activity of the British naval forces in key regions of the world.

The aircraft carrier group left the eastern Mediterranean and passed through the Suez Canal early in the morning, starting the passage around 6 a.m. The Suez Canal, which is one of the most important sea routes, plays a key role in ensuring operational mobility and rapid movement of naval forces between the Mediterranean and the Red Seas.

Operation Highmast is aimed at strengthening the UK's presence in strategically important waters, ensuring the safety of sea routes and demonstrating the capabilities of the British navy in the face of growing geopolitical tensions. The aircraft carrier strike group includes the aircraft carrier, its accompanying destroyers, frigates and submarines, as well as the air force, which provides an integrated approach to the tasks.

Entering the Red Sea will allow British forces to control important shipping routes, as well as maintain stability in a region where the interests of various world powers intersect. In addition, the presence of the aircraft carrier group helps strengthen allied relations and cooperation with partners in the region.

Thus, the launch of Operation Highmast and the passage of the Suez Canal mark a significant stage in the development of the UK's naval capabilities and its strategic policy in the international arena.

Egypt is interested in acquiring Chinese Type 039A submarines to strengthen the Navy

In the last months of 2024, reports surfaced that Egypt was in preliminary talks with China on the purchase of Type 039A submarines. Equipped with a modern air-independent propulsion system (AIP), these diesel-electric ships are known for their stealth and high combat effectiveness. The potential deal could be an important step in modernizing Egypt's naval forces and strengthening its defense capabilities.

The Type 039A submarines, also known as the Yuan Project, represent one of the most advanced achievements of Chinese shipbuilding. They are equipped with an air-independent power plant, which allows them to stay underwater for a long time without having to surface. This makes them much less visible to enemy anti-submarine systems.

In addition, boats of this class can carry a wide range of weapons, including torpedoes and missiles, which makes them a versatile tool for various tasks, from reconnaissance to strikes against surface and ground targets. Their stealth and maneuverability make it possible to operate effectively even in conditions of active opposition.

For Egypt, the acquisition of Type 039A submarines will significantly enhance its naval capabilities. The country's navy is seeking to modernize its fleet to meet growing challenges in the region, including tensions in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Submarines of this class will allow Cairo to strengthen its position as one of the key naval players in the region.

Egypt's interest in Chinese submarines is also linked to a desire to diversify its sources of weapons. Egypt has traditionally cooperated with Western countries such as the United States and France, but the increased partnership with China demonstrates a desire to expand international relations and gain access to advanced technologies.

A potential deal between Egypt and China is causing concern among some regional players, especially Israel. The reinforcement of the Egyptian navy with deadly submarines could change the balance of power in the region. 

Nevertheless, China continues to actively promote its military technology on the international market. Exporting Type 039A submarines would be an important step in strengthening its status as a global arms supplier.

At the moment, the parties are at the stage of preliminary negotiations, and the details of the agreement remain unknown. However, the successful implementation of the deal could set a precedent for other countries interested in acquiring Chinese underwater technologies. It is also an opportunity for Egypt to strengthen its strategic partnership with China and gain access to advanced military developments.

Italy considers Japanese Kawasaki P-1 patrol aircraft to strengthen anti-submarine defense

Kawasaki P-1

Italy is exploring the possibility of acquiring a Japanese Kawasaki P-1 anti-submarine aircraft to fill a critical shortage of anti-submarine threats in the Mediterranean Sea. This move may be a response to the growing activity of submarines in the region and the obsolescence of the Italian naval aviation fleet.   

The P-1, developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, is considered one of the most technologically advanced patrol aircraft in the world. It is equipped with:  

- Multifunctional radar system HPS-106 for detecting submarines;  

- Hydroacoustic buoys and magnetometers;  

- The ability to carry Type 97 torpedoes and anti-submarine bombs .  

The aircraft is capable of operating at ranges up to 8000 km, which makes it ideal for patrolling vast waters, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic.  

Italy probably evaluates the P-1 as an alternative to the American P-8 Poseidon, which is already used by NATO countries. However, cooperation with Japan can provide additional advantages:

- Technological exchange within the framework of strengthening strategic partnership;  

- Reducing dependence on American supplies amid rising tensions in Europe .  

The decision to strengthen anti-submarine forces is connected with the intensification of underwater activities of Russia and other states in the Mediterranean Sea. As noted in the analytical materials, the region is becoming the scene of a "quiet war" of submarines, which requires Italy to modernize aviation.  

If the contract is signed, the Kawasaki P-1 will become the first Japanese military aircraft in the Italian Air Force. It will also strengthen Japan's position as an exporter of high-tech weapons, which is in line with Tokyo's policy of expanding military-technical cooperation.  

A US P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft violated Algerian airspace while chasing a Russian submarine

Russian nuclear submarine Krasnodar (Project 677, B-265)

According to information published by the Moroccan Defense Arabic source, a US Navy P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft recently violated Algerian airspace. According to the source, the incident occurred as part of an attempt by the US military to track the movements of the Russian nuclear submarine Krasnodar (Project 677, B-265), which entered the Mediterranean Sea two days ago.

The American anti-submarine aircraft P-8 Poseidon, known for its high efficiency in searching and tracking underwater objects, was spotted over the territory of Algeria. According to preliminary data, the violation of airspace occurred in the area of the western coast of the country, where the routes of the Russian submarine were probably located or passed.

The source claims that the main purpose of the United States was to track the Russian submarine Krasnodar, which is heading across the Mediterranean Sea. The submarine entered the region accompanied by the Evgeny Churov logistics vessel. This route has become the subject of special attention from NATO and the United States, as it may be associated with a potential operation in Russia's area of interest.

The P-8 Poseidon is a modern anti—submarine and reconnaissance aircraft based on the Boeing 737 civilian airliner. It is equipped with advanced equipment for detecting underwater targets, including sonars, radar stations and electronic reconnaissance systems. The P-8's long-range patrol capability makes it an important tool for monitoring enemy submarine activity.

Krasnodar (B-265) is one of the newest submarines of Project 677 (Lada class). She is one of the slow-moving diesel-electric submarines capable of performing tasks in both coastal and oceanic areas. Armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, it is a serious combat unit capable of striking ground targets at a considerable distance.

So far, the Algerian authorities have not commented on the information about the violation of their airspace. However, such incidents can cause diplomatic tension between the countries, especially if the Algerian side considers the US actions provocative.

At the same time, the situation demonstrates the growing geopolitical competition in the Mediterranean, where Russia is strengthening its presence, and the United States and NATO countries are seeking to control the situation in the region. Krasnodar's presence in this context indicates Moscow's desire to demonstrate its capabilities in the field of the submarine fleet.

The incident with the violation of Algerian airspace by a US reconnaissance aircraft highlights the complexity of modern relations between major global players. In the context of the growing military confrontation in the Mediterranean, every movement of the parties is becoming the object of close attention and analysis. Further interaction between the participants in this conflict of interest will show how this situation develops.

Collision of the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman with a merchant ship in the Mediterranean Sea: An incident without consequences

 American nuclear aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman

On Thursday, the Pentagon announced the collision of the American nuclear aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman with the merchant freighter Besiktas-M in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the severity of such incidents, the US Navy assured that the aircraft carrier was not in danger, and there were no casualties among the crew. This case drew attention to both the safety of navigation and the operational readiness of the largest warships.

The accident occurred in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea when the USS Harry S. Truman was carrying out routine operations in the region. The Besiktas-M cargo ship, owned by a Turkish company, was en route between the ports of the region. According to preliminary data, the collision was minor, and the damage to both vessels was limited to Cosmetic damage. 

U.S. Navy officials stressed that the aircraft carrier's autonomous security systems remained operational, and its nuclear reactor was not at risk. The command quickly conducted an initial assessment of the ship's condition, after which the USS Harry S. Truman continued to perform tasks.

One of the main priorities in such situations is to ensure the safety of personnel. In this case, there were no reports of injuries or threats to the health of the crew members. This was made possible by the high level of training of the team and the effective response to sudden situations.

The technical condition of the USS Harry S. Truman also does not cause concern. The aircraft carrier is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to withstand various external influences, including possible collisions with other vessels. Despite the fact that the incident required additional verification, experts believe that the ship will be able to perform its tasks without significant delays.

Although the details of the causes of the collision are still being clarified, such incidents usually occur due to errors in navigation, human factors or difficult weather conditions. In this case, both vessels were in an actively used waterway, where the traffic of ships is particularly dense. The Mediterranean Sea is a strategically important area through which many trade routes pass, which increases the likelihood of such incidents.

The US Navy command has already launched an investigation to determine the exact causes of the incident. The results of this analysis will help prevent similar situations from happening again in the future. In addition, they can contribute to the revision of protocols for the interaction of military and civilian vessels in areas of high density of maritime traffic.

Such incidents always attract the attention of the international community, especially if large warships are involved. However, in this case, the absence of serious consequences made it possible to avoid widespread diplomatic tensions. Nevertheless, this case has become an occasion for discussing the safety of navigation in general.

The Turkish side, which owns the Besiktas-M cargo ship, has not yet made official statements. It is assumed that joint consultations will be held between the United States and Turkey to coordinate further actions.

The USS Harry S. Truman is one of ten nuclear—powered aircraft carriers of the Nimitz class, which is a key element of the US forces in ensuring global security. Its presence in the Mediterranean Sea demonstrates the United States' willingness to defend its interests in a region where a number of potential hotbeds of tension persist.

Despite the incident, the aircraft carrier continues to fulfill its main mission, maintaining stability and security in the region. This confirms the high reliability and stability of the ship even in unforeseen situations.