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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Monday, 18 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Italy: Military Alliances

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, CP1338, published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on strengthening the interoperability of UK and Italy’s carrier strike groups.

Answer

Italy is a close NATO ally of the United Kingdom, and as carrier nations that both operate F-35B aircraft there is consistent collaboration, both bilaterally and through the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative (ECGII).

As part of Operation HIGHMAST, UK and Italian Carrier Strike Groups conducted integrated carrier operations in the Mediterranean Sea, which included the embarkation of Italian F-35Bs aboard HMS PRINCE OF WALES, with UK F-35s also operating onboard ITS CAVOUR.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2227
Session
2026-27
Related items
Subjects
Navy Italy Military alliances
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk