義大利考慮採購日本川崎P-1海上巡邏機以強化地中海反潛能力

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(Toru Yamanaka/AFP via Getty Images)
義大利正評估引進日本川崎P-1海上巡邏機，以提升其在地中海的反潛作戰能力。此舉可能打破義大利傳統上對美國飛機的依賴，並進一步加強與日本的防務合作關係。 

川崎P-1是一款四引擎海上巡邏機，自2013年起在日本服役，專為海上監視和反潛作戰設計。截至目前，日本海上自衛隊已操作33架P-1飛機。 

義大利空軍參謀長盧卡·戈雷蒂（Luca Goretti）表示：「P-1是我們可選擇的方案之一。我們與日本有著良好的關係。」 

自2017年退役最後一架長期服役的「大西洋」（Atlantique）海上巡邏機後，義大利採用了由空中巴士和本地公司李奧納多（Leonardo）聯合製造的ATR 72飛機來填補空缺。然而，這些飛機缺乏完整的反潛戰能力，被視為過渡性的解決方案。 

近期，地中海地區的海軍活動有所增加，促使義大利尋求更先進的巡邏機型。與此同時，義大利與日本在防務領域的合作也日益深化，兩國與英國共同參與了第六代戰鬥機計劃（GCAP）。 

此外，義大利公司李奧納多曾向日本推銷其M-346教練機，以取代日本的川崎T-4教練機。這些合作項目顯示了兩國在防務領域合作的多樣性和深入性。 

Italy Considers Acquiring Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Enhance Mediterranean Anti-Submarine Capabilities

Italy is evaluating the acquisition of Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Mediterranean.This move could mark a departure from Italy’s traditional reliance on U.S. aircraft and further strengthen defense ties with Japan. 

The Kawasaki P-1 is a four-engine maritime patrol aircraft that has been in service in Japan since 2013, specifically designed for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations.To date, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force operates 33 P-1 aircraft.

Italian Air Force Chief Luca Goretti stated, “The P-1 is one of the possible options available. We have a great relationship with Japan.” 

After retiring its long-serving Atlantique maritime patrol planes in 2017, Italy adopted ATR 72 aircraft, jointly built by Airbus and local firm Leonardo, to fill the gap.However, these aircraft lack comprehensive anti-submarine warfare capabilities and are considered interim solutions.

Recently, increased naval activity in the Mediterranean has prompted Italy to seek more advanced patrol aircraft.Concurrently, Italy and Japan have been deepening their defense collaboration, notably partnering with the UK on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) for a sixth-generation fighter jet. 

Additionally, Italian firm Leonardo has pitched its M-346 jet trainer to Japan as a replacement for Tokyo’s Kawasaki T-4 trainers.These collaborative efforts highlight the expanding and multifaceted defense relationship between Italy and Japan.