The 134 m (440 ft), 2,800 m2 (30,000 sq ft) hangar space can double as a vehicle hold capable of holding up to 24 main battle tanks (typically Ariete) or many more lighter vehicles (50 Dardo IFV, 100+ Iveco LMV), and is fitted aft with access ramps rated to 70 tons, as well as two elevators rated up to 30 tons for aircraft.

[2] It complemented the Italian Navy's other aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, before the older ship was decommissioned in 2024.

[9] The ship was named in honor of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour (after proposals such as Luigi Einaudi and Andrea Doria were discarded) and became the NUM (New Major Unit) of the Italian Navy, joining the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Cavour was laid down by Fincantieri in June 2001, and was launched from the Riva Trigoso shipyard at Sestri Levante, on 20 July 2004.

[12] This was the first mission of the aircraft carrier, where it supplemented international efforts to provide relief for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

In May 2020, it was announced the Italian aircraft carrier would undertake a preparatory training before sailing to the U.S. where the ship would conduct trials with the F-35B STOVL.

During the harbour phase from 1 to 4 October, the exercise saw subject matter expert exchanges and other key interactions as well as a pre-sail planning conference.