Italy's New Warship Arrives in Japan as Country Steps Up Indo-Pacific Engagement

On Thursday, the Italian Navy's ITS Francesco Morosini, an offshore patrol ship, visited Yokosuka, where the United States has a naval base. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Navy's 7th Fleet as part of a five-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

The Thaon di Revel-class patrol ship will moor at the MSDF's Yokosuka Naval Base for seven days. It is the first asset of the Italian Navy to anchor in a Japanese port in 27 years, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

The modern ship's deployment demonstrates the value Italy focuses on in the area. It was launched in the fall with a 137-person crew.

The Morisini

The Morosini is outfitted with a hangar that can house a medium-lift anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Its capacity for speed, which reaches up to 32 knots, or little under 59 kph, is one of its distinguishing characteristics.

The ship can deliver water to a neighborhood of more than 6,000 people in the event of a calamity. Additionally, it can produce electricity.

(Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) The Italian navy carrier Cavour is seen from the German navy frigate ship Werra as it sails in the Mediterranean Sea, close to the Libyan territorial waters on September 23, 2015. The German ship is part of the EU operation EuNavFor Med, rescuing migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa to Europe.

The Morosini called Singapore and Indonesia on their way to Japan. From here, it will proceed to locations such as Busan, South Korea, and others. In September, it travels back to Italy.

To prospective clients, the deployment serves as both a demonstration of strength and a projection of authority.

A Stronger Influence in the Inso-Pacific

Italy is the latest in a long line of European nations aiming to increase their influence in the Indo-Pacific.

The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed the Hiroshima Accord, a strategic partnership, on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, last month.

They agreed to double the number of British troops participating in a military exercise in Japan and redeploy the U.K. In 2025, an aircraft carrier will visit the Indo-Pacific.

The British warships HMS Tamar and HMS Spey are now stationed in the Indo-Pacific region for a five-year deployment. The Tamar spent a month at a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-owned ship repair facility in Yokohama last year.

In 2021, Germany sent the navy frigate Bayern to Japan, where it participated in a joint drill with ships from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

In the South China Sea's Spratly Islands, where China is carrying out extensive land reclamation and constructing runways and harbors, France has sent an attack ship and a frigate to the Indo-Pacific.

Italy's Involvement in the Indo-Pacific

Italy has been increasing its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the growing economic and strategic importance of the region, as well as the changing balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

It includes economic, political, and security dimensions. On the economic front, Italy is seeking to increase its trade and investment ties with the region. It is also working to promote its economic interests in the region through its membership in the G7 and the European Union.

On the political front, Italy is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific. It has been actively participating in regional forums, such as the East Asia Summit and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. It has also been working to strengthen its bilateral relations with key countries in the region, such as India, Japan, and Australia.

Italy's role in the Indo-Pacific is still evolving. However, it is clear that Italy is committed to playing a more active role in the region. This is a sign of Italy's growing global ambitions, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the future of the Indo-Pacific region.