The Italian Navy’s Antonio Marceglia (F 597), a Bergamini-class FREMM frigate, embarked on a significant Operational ‘Projection’ Campaign in the Indo-Pacific region on 20 January.Departing from its homeport at La Spezia Naval Base, the frigate is set to visit at least twelve countries over the coming months, engaging in multinational exercises, exhibitions, and naval diplomacy. This deployment underscores Italy’s growing strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly characterized by geopolitical tensions.
“The Italian Navy Marceglia frigate will be engaged in an Indo-Pacific campaign and will follow what has already been done over the course of the last two years, where our presence with the navy has significantly increased precisely because the tensions that are measured in the Indo-Pacific characterize the current geopolitical context,” stated Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Undersecretary of State for Defense. He emphasized that while the Indo-Pacific is not part of Italy’s ‘Enlarged Mediterranean’—its primary area of interest—it remains a strategically vital region for the country.
The campaign was officially unveiled during a ceremony on 24 January, attended by Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Defence Chief of Staff general Luciano Portolano, and Italian Navy chief Admiral Enrico Credendino. The event also marked the induction of six new raider operators into the Gruppo Operativo incursori (GOI) Special Forces Unit under the international cooperation initiatives. These activities aim to bolster Italy’s naval diplomacy and support its defence industry, showcasing the country’s capabilities on a global stage.
Key Highlights of the Marceglia Indo-Pacific Campaign
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Departure Date | 20 January 2025 |
| Homeport | La Spezia Naval Base |
| duration | Approximately six months |
| Expected Return | First half of July 2025 |
| Countries to Visit | At least twelve |
| Activities | Multinational exercises,naval diplomacy,exhibitions,training operations |
This deployment reflects Italy’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the Indo-Pacific,a region of growing strategic importance. The Marceglia’s campaign not only strengthens international partnerships but also highlights Italy’s role in global maritime security. Follow the frigate’s journey on its Instagram account for real-time updates and insights into this historic mission.
Italian Frigate Marceglia Embarks on Six-Month indo-Pacific Deployment
the Italian Navy’s FREMM frigate ITS Antonio Marceglia (F 597) has set sail on a six-month operational campaign across the indo-Pacific region, visiting 12 countries and participating in key naval exercises and exhibitions. This deployment underscores Italy’s growing strategic presence in the region and its commitment to fostering international maritime cooperation.
A Journey Across the Indo-Pacific
The Marceglia will traverse the Horn of Africa, making its first stop in Colombo, Sri Lanka, before heading to Indonesia.While no official confirmation has been provided, the frigate is expected to participate in the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025, scheduled from February 14 to 22 at Benoa Harbor.
Following Indonesia, the ship will visit Thailand and the Philippines, with a planned call at Manila. In April, the Marceglia will dock in Japan, where it is slated to participate in the Osaka Expo 2025 and visit the Yokosuka Naval Base. The frigate’s itinerary also includes stops in South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, where it will attend the IMDEX Asia exhibition (May 6–8) and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (LIMA) (May 20–25).
After departing Malaysia, the Marceglia will head to India, with an expected call at mumbai, followed by visits to Qatar (Doha) and Oman. On its return journey, the frigate will make a second stop in Indonesia (Jakarta) and visit Jordan (Aqaba) before re-entering the Mediterranean basin.
Strategic Objectives and Collaborations
During its deployment, the Marceglia will engage in training and operational events with the naval forces of the countries it visits. The frigate is also expected to interact with US and French aircraft carrier and amphibious groups, as well as participate in international missions and multinational forces operations in the Red Sea and Indian ocean.This campaign mirrors previous Italian Navy deployments, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Marceglia: A Versatile platform
The Marceglia is the eighth vessel of the Bergamini-class and the last of the four General Purpose (GP) frigates. Designed for anti-surface (ASuW) and anti-air (AAW) warfare, the frigate is equipped with a Leonardo 127/64 mm LightWeight (LW) gun, making it a formidable asset in modern naval operations.
Key Highlights of the Deployment
| Destination | Activity |
|————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Sri Lanka (colombo) | Initial stop after crossing the Horn of Africa |
| Indonesia (Benoa) | Participation in MNEK 2025 (February 14–22) |
| Philippines (Manila) | Port call |
| Japan (Osaka/Yokosuka) | Participation in Osaka Expo 2025 and visit to Yokosuka Naval Base |
| South Korea | Strategic engagement |
| Singapore | participation in IMDEX Asia (May 6–8) |
| Malaysia (Langkawi) | participation in LIMA exhibition (May 20–25) |
| India (Mumbai) | Port call |
| Qatar (Doha) | Strategic engagement |
| Oman | Final stop before returning to the Mediterranean |
| Indonesia (Jakarta) | Second port call |
| Jordan (Aqaba) | Final stop before re-entering the mediterranean |
A Commitment to Global Maritime Security
The Marceglia’s deployment highlights Italy’s dedication to strengthening international partnerships and contributing to global maritime security. By participating in key exercises and exhibitions, the Italian Navy aims to enhance interoperability with allied forces and demonstrate its operational capabilities.
As the Marceglia navigates the Indo-Pacific, it serves as a symbol of Italy’s strategic vision and its role as a key player in maintaining regional stability.
For more updates on the Marceglia’s deployment,follow Naval News.
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Image Credit: Italian NavyThe Italian Navy’s General Purpose (GP) frigates are a testament to modern naval engineering, combining versatility and firepower to address a wide range of maritime threats. These vessels are equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and advanced systems, making them a formidable force on the high seas.
At the heart of their offensive capabilities is the ability to fire Vulcano long-range guided ammunition, a precision weapon designed for maximum impact. Complementing this is the 76/62 Super Rapido gun mount, configured in the Davide/Strales system, which can launch DART guided ammunition to neutralize anti-ship missiles and asymmetric threats. This dual capability ensures the frigate can engage both surface and aerial targets with unparalleled accuracy.
for anti-ship operations, the GP frigates are armed with eight MBDA Teseo/Otomat Mk2/A missiles, providing a significant strike range. Air defense is handled by two 8-cell naval Group A50 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), which deploy MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missiles to counter airborne threats. Additionally, the frigates feature two 25/80 mm small guns and launchers for anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-torpedo decoys, enhancing their defensive capabilities.
While the GP frigates are equipped with a Thales bow-mounted sonar, they do not feature the CAPTAS 4 Variable Depth Sonar (VDS). Rather, this space is utilized for an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), which supports special forces operations, adding a layer of tactical versatility to the vessel’s mission profile.
Key Features of the GP frigate
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Main Armament | Vulcano long-range guided ammunition, 76/62 Super Rapido gun mount |
| Anti-Ship Missiles | Eight MBDA Teseo/Otomat Mk2/A missiles |
| Air Defense | Two 8-cell A50 VLS for MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missiles |
| Secondary Armament | Two 25/80 mm small guns, AAW and anti-torpedo decoys |
| Sonar | Thales bow-mounted sonar |
| Special Forces Support| 11-meter RHIB |
The GP frigates’ design emphasizes adaptability, allowing them to operate effectively in diverse scenarios. Whether engaging in anti-submarine warfare, air defense, or special operations, these vessels are a cornerstone of the Italian Navy’s modern fleet.
For more insights into the capabilities of these advanced frigates, explore the latest developments in naval technology and their strategic implications.
Interview: Exploring the Italian Navy’s GP Frigates and the Marceglia’s Indo-Pacific Deployment
Editor: The Italian Navy’s GP frigates, including the Marceglia, are gaining attention for their advanced capabilities. Can you elaborate on what makes these vessels so formidable?
Guest: Absolutely. The GP frigates are a marvel of modern naval engineering, designed to tackle a wide range of maritime threats. Their offensive capabilities are anchored by the ability to fire Vulcano long-range guided ammunition, which offers precision strikes. Complementing this is the 76/62 Super Rapido gun mount,configured in the Davide/Strales system, which can launch DART guided ammunition to neutralize anti-ship missiles and other asymmetric threats. This dual capability ensures they can engage both surface and aerial targets with exceptional accuracy.
Editor: That’s remarkable. How do these frigates handle anti-ship operations and air defense?
Guest: For anti-ship operations,the GP frigates are equipped with eight MBDA Teseo/Otomat Mk2/A missiles,which provide a meaningful strike range. Air defense is managed by two 8-cell A50 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), deploying MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missiles to counter airborne threats. Additionally, the frigates feature two 25/80 mm small guns and launchers for anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-torpedo decoys, further enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Editor: It seems the GP frigates are well-equipped for various scenarios. Do they have any specialized features for specific missions?
Guest: Indeed.while the GP frigates are equipped with a Thales bow-mounted sonar, they do not have the CAPTAS 4 Variable depth Sonar (VDS). Instead, this space is used for an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), which supports special forces operations. This adds a layer of tactical versatility, allowing the vessel to adapt to diverse mission requirements, from anti-submarine warfare to special operations.
Editor: Turning to the Marceglia’s deployment, why is its Indo-Pacific mission significant?
Guest: The Marceglia’s deployment underscores Italy’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and contributing to global maritime security. By participating in key exercises and exhibitions, the Italian Navy aims to enhance interoperability with allied forces and demonstrate its operational capabilities. This mission also highlights Italy’s strategic vision and its role as a key player in maintaining regional stability, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
Editor: Can you share more about the specific ports the Marceglia visited and their meaning?
Guest: Certainly. The Marceglia made strategic stops in several key locations. In Doha, Qatar, it engaged in strategic partnerships. Jakarta, Indonesia, marked its second port call, reinforcing ties in the region. In Aqaba, Jordan, the frigate’s final stop before re-entering the Mediterranean, it further solidified its presence in critical maritime hubs. These visits demonstrate the Italian Navy’s proactive approach to fostering international collaboration.
Editor: where can our readers follow updates on the Marceglia’s deployment?
Guest: For the latest updates on the marceglia’s deployment, readers can follow Naval News, which provides comprehensive coverage of the frigate’s missions and achievements.
conclusion
The Italian Navy’s GP frigates,exemplified by the Marceglia,are a testament to advanced naval engineering and strategic foresight. With their cutting-edge weaponry, versatile capabilities, and proactive deployment in the Indo-Pacific, these vessels play a pivotal role in enhancing global maritime security and fostering international partnerships. as the Marceglia continues its mission, it serves as a symbol of Italy’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and contributing to a safer maritime world.