The Open Sea 2025 - Countering CBRN Threats
Mare Aperto is the major annual Italian defence exercise planned and conducted by the Italian Navy. It is an event involving all Navy forces, including ships, submarines, air assets, landing forces, as well as advanced telecommunications and cyber defence systems. The special feature of the 2025 edition is its inter-force and interagency approach, in which military and civilian forces work together to address complex threats in realistic scenarios. The exercise took place from 8 to 14 April, focusing on countering CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) threats.
A key aspect of this edition was CBRN emergency management training. Activities extended from the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Tiber River, with close cooperation between the Italian Navy, Italian Army, Carabinieri, Red Cross, Civil Protection and other institutional actors. An emblematic example of this cooperation was the alarm launched on 8 April by the ferry ship Wind Rosewhich reported a terrorist attack on board, followed by the discovery of radioactive material. The response to this threat involved numerous departments, including the Multirole Exploitation and Reconnaissance Team (MERT) of the 7th Cremona Regiment of the Italian Army, engaged in the analysis and management of contamination.
CBRN Threat Response - Inter-Forces Collaboration
The exercise demonstrated the Italian Defence capability to handle CBRN threats with a highly integrated approach. The collaboration between the various armed forces, institutions and civil agencies was crucial to the success of the operations. After the discovery of contaminated material on the ship Wind Roserescue forces transported the injured to safety and launched search operations to neutralise the perpetrators of the chemical theft. The synergy between the San Marco Marine Brigade, the Italian Army and the other forces involved enabled an effective emergency response, with the identification and discovery of a map indicating the area of the planned chemical spill along the Tiber.
The heart of the operation shifted to a 'riverine' action, conducted in a nocturnal environment along the Tiber river, where the San Marco Marine Brigade carried out a rapid and effective intervention. At the same time, the scientific analysis of the contamination was entrusted to the Carabinieri of the Radioactive Nucleus, who collaborated with the Navy to complete the clean-up and evidence acquisition operations.
This complex operation highlighted not only the ability to respond to CBRN emergencies, but also the importance of cohesive and integrated resource management in complex scenarios, testing inter-force procedures and strengthening collective response capacity.
CBRN Defence and the Role of the 7th Cremona Regiment
Countering CBRN threats in Italy also relies on the experience and capabilities of specialised units of the Italian Army, including the 7th CBRN Cremona Defence Regiment. This regiment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and specialised tools to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats in both national and international operations. Founded in 1923, the regiment has roots dating back to the First World War, when Italian units were victims of the use of toxic gases by the German army. Since then, the Italian Army has developed skills and technologies to deal with chemical, biological and nuclear warfare.
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 7th Regiment played a crucial role in supporting the National Health Service, carrying out molecular swabs and ensuring the sanitisation of healthcare facilities. Its ability to also operate in a civil context was further consolidated with the deployment in CBRN emergency protection and management activities, thanks to the continuous updating of technologies and operational procedures.
In the international arena, the regiment participates in NATO exercises and works with other armed forces to test sampling and identification capabilities for biological, chemical and radiological agents. In addition, the unit is involved in the creation of the CBRN Multirole Exploitation and Reconnaissance Teams (MERT), specialised teams that combine armed forces capabilities with civilian and inter-agency capabilities to manage complex emergency situations.
As modern operational scenarios evolve, CBRN units are called upon to constantly develop new capabilities to meet emerging challenges, collaborating not only with the armed forces but also with the scientific and industrial sectors. The commitment of the 7th Cremona Regiment, which today continues to train its personnel and innovate its equipment, is a concrete example of the importance of CBRN defence for national and international security.
Conclusion
Mare Aperto 2025 and CBRN operations in Italy are examples of the increasing complexity of the challenges facing the Italian Armed Forces in multi-domain scenarios. Cooperation between different entities, both military and civil, and the use of advanced technologies are crucial to ensure the protection of national security. Specialist units such as the 7th Cremona Regiment continue to evolve to respond to CBRN threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of training and preparation in complex operational contexts.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
