Like we wrote last month in this article, from 2 September the Folgore Parachute Brigade officially came under the direct control of the COMFOTER (Land Operations Forces Command). This marks a crucial change in the organisation of the Italian Army, not only in terms of hierarchical management, but above all for the operational effectiveness of the Parachute Brigade. The elimination of intermediate commands and the direct passage under the command of the COMFOTER is a strong signal of the enhancement of the specific capabilities of Italian paratroopers.
A force with a high level of readiness
The new strategic set-up will enable the Brigade to be ready to intervene in any theatre of operations within 48 hourswith a particular focus on warfighting-oriented operations.
This response capability is crucial for ensuring national defence and cooperation within NATO, offering a key contribution to the most critical international missions.
Modern warfare requires a force that can adapt quickly to changes in the field, and the Folgore, with its intensive and specific training, can play a central role.
Operational proximity with special forces will allow greater integration in complex missions, improving coordination and effectiveness in high-intensity contexts.
Crucial support from the Air Force
The operations of the Folgore are largely dependent on support from the Air Force.
The ability to deploy a parachute force in difficult, often isolated and logistically complex theatres requires perfect cooperation between the Army and Air Force.
Modern airborne vehicles such as the GMV Flyer 72, mentioned in our articleThey will significantly increase the capacity for mobility and deep penetration, enabling rapid and targeted operations.
The close cooperation between the two Armed Forces will ensure an extremely rapid deployment of troops and means, which is essential for missions requiring immediate and lightning-fast interventions.
Modernisation of the armament and equipment system
The entry of the Folgore into the direct dependencies of the COMFOTER is not only a matter of organisation, but also represents a long-term commitment to the modernisation of the Brigade's weapon and equipment system.
The ongoing renovation aims to improve the Italian Paratroopers' ability to counter advanced threats such as armoured vehicles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The optimisation of the anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapon systems will enable the Brigade to respond effectively to any threat on the battlefield, strengthening its ability to operate in environments where technological superiority is crucial.
The decision to entrust the Folgore with new means and operational capabilities represents a clear desire to return it to the excellence and effectiveness that have always distinguished it.
An Important Step for the Defence of the Nation and NATO
The passing of the Folgore under the COMFOTER is a clear message from the Chief of Army Staff, General C.A. Parachutist Carmine Masiello.
A move that underlines the importance of optimising and enhancing the capabilities of Italian paratroopers.
This decision not only strengthens the defence of the nation, but also positions Italy as a crucial partner within the Atlantic Alliance (NATO) and the Airborne Community.
We are not talking about a simple reorganisation: it is a strategy to ensure that the Folgore can operate at full capacity, with the speed and flexibility required to meet modern military challenges.
Its direct placement under COMFOTER represents the desire to bring the historic Brigade to be a reference point for the Italian Army and NATO forces in the most complex and delicate operations.
Strade Sicure? No thanks
We close the article by emphasising the need to free the Folgore from Operation Strade Sicurereturning it to its primary role of defence and operational readiness. As emphasised by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General C.A. Parachutist Carmine Masiello, Operation Strade Sicure represents a major constraint on the Army's operational capabilities, diverting vital resources from training and combat readiness.
The Parachute Folgore Brigade should not be deployed in urban security operations, but devote itself exclusively to preparing for high-intensity war scenarios. Prolonged deployment for tasks that are not part of the institutional tasks of Military Paratroopers (!), such as maintaining public order, reduces their ability to respond promptly in complex operational contexts, damaging their effectiveness on the battlefield.
To ensure that the Folgore can maintain its excellence as a force of readiness for deployment on international scenarios, it is essential to free it from operations such as Strade Sicure, returning the Armed Force to its full defence and training capacity, and leaving public security tasks to the Police Forces, to which they naturally belong.
