ITS Andrea Doria trains with NATO allies

24 May 2021 17.00

Yesterday, 20 May, NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2021　started off the Portuguese coast, involving, among other participants, Italian Navy destroyer ITS Andrea Doria.

Steadfast Defender 2021 - the most important exercise organised by NATO during this year – is aimed at training and enhancing interoperability among allied military forces within operations to ensure protection of sea lines of communication and, more broadly, in the framework of deterrence operations for the protection of the interests of European NATO countries.

This three-part exercise brings together more than 20 NATO Allies and partners and hinges on an overall strategic focus: part one is aimed at providing security of the primary maritime routes, the so-called Sea Lines Of Communication (SLOC); part two involves the large-scale deployment of personnel and equipment to test the rapid deployment capacity; part three will test NATO’s rapid reaction forces and involves the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).　

ITS Doria　will take part in the first phase of the exercise: the Italian Navy destroyer, equipped with sensors and communication and weapon systems, is characterised by high anti air missile warfare capability, and provides a major contribution to maritime security and protection of the vital interests of our country and NATO member States.

ITS Andrea DORIA’s participation restates our country’s will to maintain a strong relationship with NATO allies and to enhance training level in a multinational context, in order to defend member States, despite all the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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