This years' edition of the aero-naval training exercise 'Canale' which is aimed at promoting cooperation and peace in the Mediterranean, drew to a close this morning with a post exercise conference onboard the Italian Navy ship 'Foscari' in the port of Augusta, Italy.

This is the 18th time that the 'Canale' bilateral Italo-Maltese aero-naval exercise took place. Logistical preparation and exercise planning started months ago while activities at sea began on June 18.

This years' exercise was organised by the Italian Joint Operational Headquarters.

Apart from serving to improve bilateral relations between Italy and Malta 'Canale' brought together also members of the '5+5' defence Western Mediterranean initiative. (The countries that took active part in this Exercise included Italy, Malta, Algeria, France, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia).

Exercise activities focused on border control, maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement combined operations, as well as virtual –regional Maritime Traffic Centres.

The exercise activities were planned, organised and coordinated by the Combined Joint Maritime Operation Centre and involved naval and air units from most of the participating countries.

This year's exercise saw the active participation of 10 maritime platforms and five fixed and rotary wing assets, including the latest acquisition of the AFM's King Air B200 aircraft.

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