Not just polygons. NATO also "occupies" the canal port of Cagliari. Eighty thousand square meters, to be exact, almost twelve full-size football pitches. These are the dimensions of the temporary concession requested from the Port Authority and obtained by the company Mito Srl (Mediterranean Intermodal Terminal Operator), in addition to the one already enjoyed, for «the setting up of a material depot ("military stationing camp") coming from the landing and connected to the carrying out of the exercise called Noble Jump».
Military operations will begin on April 26. The deed signed by the president of the Authority Massimo Deiana bears the date of 14, on the praetorian register of the institution it was published last 17.
The fences have already been placed. The document states that "the containers and vehicles will be unloaded on the concession dock and subsequently transferred to the open area". And "inside the depot, some activities will be carried out by the Navy as a result of the type of materials stored there". What these "activities" are, we do not know at the moment.
However, it is known that the arrival of the Alliance military will dislodge the "idle" Costa Cruises ships that were exploiting that quay. Space which, according to the documents, must remain available for exercises until May 31st. So well past Noble Jump's closing date. Then there is the Joint Stars, another maxi simulated war.
The provision of the port authority establishes that «for questions relating to safety and security, to allow the use of the mooring immediately in front of the aforementioned deposit only with effect from 31 May, the date scheduled for the clearing of the area , taking into account , among other things, that said stretch of quay may be necessary for the mooring of military ships present in the Port of Cagliari for subsequent exercises" . Therefore, a militarized canal port. Not only that, however: in recent days, groups of soldiers training between Calamosca and the Sella del Diavolo have been sighted, outside the fenced area under the jurisdiction of the Defense.
But what is Noble Jump? Managed by NATO, it aims to "demonstrate the capability for timely deployment and integrate forces as a contribution to NATO's Deterrence and Defense (D2) position." The landing in a threatened allied country will therefore be simulated. The great maneuvers have already begun: in Teulada the Nspa, a logistics company linked to NATO, has set up a gigantic military camp. Shooting will take place there, in Quirra and in all the sea and land ranges of Sardinia. Expected the use of thousands of soldiers of various nationalities.
But you don't have to wait to see warships and exercises: another exercise is underway, Mare Aperto 2023. The docks of the civilian port of Cagliari are occupied by frigates and cruisers. Ships ready to take to the sea of southern Sardinia, for large stretches forbidden. And to shoot. Others are already off Costa Rei (all in the video above).
