103rd Anniversary of the Italian Air Force and Oath-Taking Ceremony for Air Force Academy Cadets

01 Apr 2026

Today in Naples, in the presence of Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, a ceremony was held to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Italian Air Force, as well as the oath-taking and christening of the “Grifo VI” class of the Air Force Academy.

“Today you embark on a difficult journey, in an even more difficult time.
A journey that will demand something more from you: to become men and women capable of understanding the future before it happens, of recognizing the right path when no one points it out, of sensing the direction of history when everything seems uncertain.
Ensuring security means anticipating challenges, not chasing them when they arise.
This is the essence of your commitment: to ensure the country’s security and defense in a world where reason seems to be fading.
Italy is a great cultural power.
This is our strength: to uphold the value of reason, balance, and the authority of thought.
You will be ambassadors of this approach, just as your colleagues in the Air Force and all our Armed Forces are.
Ambassadors of humanity and of a vision in which the uniform is not synonymous with abuse of power, but with respect, combined with strength. 

You have made an important choice, and my presence here is not an honor for you: I am the one who is honored to be here.
Thank you also to your families; without them, this journey would not have been possible.
I am certain they are proud-and perhaps even a little worried. It is a sign that you are growing up and that you have chosen an important path.
Also on behalf of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, who asked me to convey his greetings to you, I thank you for this choice.
On behalf of myself and all the personnel of the Armed Forces, welcome to the great family of Defense." 

These were the words of Defense Minister Guido Crosetto at the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Air Force, and the swearing-in and christening ceremony for the “Grifo VI” class of the Air Force Academy.

Among those attending the celebrations were the Undersecretary of State for Defense, Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago; the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano; the Chief of the Air Force Staff, Air Force General Antonio Conserva; and civil, military, and religious authorities.

Before the oath was administered, the President of the Gold Medals for Military Valor Association, Lieutenant General Rosario Aiosa, read a message of congratulations addressed to the cadets who had sworn allegiance to the Italian Republic.

The ceremony was capped off by a flyover by the National Aerobatic Team.