AIR-SEA ITALIAN-MALTESE EXERCISE “CANALE 2013” – MALTA 16TH – 21ST JUNE 2013 

Last July, 16-21 took place in Malta the bilateral Italo-Maltese aero-naval exercise”Canale 2013”, which included rescue operations and sea search as well as military training activities with the aid of some Mediterranean countries.

The qualified Italian presence was also ensured thanks to the assistance provided by the Embassy of Italy and to the positive involvement of the Italian Military Mission which started its cooperation with the Maltese authorities over forty years in Malta.

In addition to the “Cigala Fulgosi” unit, at the event participated deep-sea patrol vessels, three helicopters, two sea patrol aircraft and an Alouette aircraft. Worthy of note is the participation of Algeria, France, Morocco, and Tunisia with their own naval and aeronautics equipments.

The “Canale” exercise is a significant example of effective collaboration within the euro-Mediterranean dialogue supported by Italy. The exercise was attended by the commander of the Italian Naval Squadron, Admiral Filippo Maria Foffi, and by Chief of the Defence Staff of Malta, Brigadier Martin G. Xuereb.