On Monday 23 November 2015, Operation Atalanta’s German Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPRA) provided vital support at sea to the flagship, ITS Carabiniere.

The German MPRA, a Lockheed P-3C Orion based in Djibouti, flew to ITS Carabiniere’s position to deliver much-needed equipment.

Flying down to 100ft, they were able to release the equipment safely in to the water ready for the Italian warship to collect.

Air-drops allow warships to receive essential equipment quickly, ensuring Operation Atalanta can maintain its efforts in protecting vulnerable World Food Programme ships delivering humanitarian aid to the Somali People.