The multinational NATO exercise ‘Black Poison 2025’, led by the Combined Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Task Force (CJ-CBRND-TF) under the command of Italy’s 7th CBRN Defence Regiment ‘Cremona’, concluded at the end of June. Operations took place across training areas in Civitavecchia, Rieti, and Santa Severa, involving Italian military units and specialised forces from France, Germany, and Poland. The main objective was to assess the interoperability of allied forces and their ability to manage CBRN emergencies effectively in high-risk civilian and military scenarios. Simulated missions included reconnaissance, identification, decontamination, and responding to crises involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The exercise director, Colonel Dario De Masi, emphasised the strategic importance of the operation in maintaining readiness against asymmetric and unconventional threats. ‘Black Poison 2025’ reaffirms Italy’s central role as a key player in the international CBRN defence framework.
Massimo Serresi
