General Luciano Portolano is the new Chief of Defence Staff

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On 17 September, 2024, the Council of Ministers – following a proposal by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto- approved the appointment of General Luciano Portolano, the current Secretary General of Defence and National Director of Armaments, to Chief of Defence Staff. He will take over from Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who will assume the post of Chairman of the NATO Military Committee in January, 2025.

“General Luciano Portolano is a prominent leader, with a vast personal operational and command experience, including very sensitive top assignments at the national and international level. He will be called to run the Armed Forces at a time of great complexity and deep renewal, made even harder by ongoing crises. I am sure that, thanks to his competences, capacity and experience he will carry out his delicate tasks in the best possible manner, working day by day to ensure the country has Armed Forces ready to operate in every context, to defend the national interests and bring peace wherever it is at risk. General Portolano, I wish you every success in your new job”.

Then, Minister Crosetto added: “Let me thank Admiral Cavo Dragone for his good job as Chief of Defence Staff and in the service of the Institutions during his long military career. His work and his professionalism have increased the prestige and pride of the Armed Forces and Italy. I wish him the best, certain that he will provide a decisive contribution, show his qualities and leadership also in his future role as Chairman of NATO Military Committee”. Thus Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in a press release.