The Cavour Italian Navy ship has been certified to take on the role of aircraft carrier, enhancing the navy’s force projection capabilities at sea.

The ship recently completed two weeks of flight deck certification activities, which included 360 take-offs as well as short and vertical landings with Harrier AV8-B+ ‘Wolf’ aircraft.

Cavour is also certified to take part in joint, interagency or international missions with aircraft belonging to other nations for the projection of civilian and military forces.

The certification activities were supported by engineers and staff of the US Naval Air Force Defence Department, test pilots and a team of over 40 members, according to Defense Aerospace.