The Council of Ministers, on the proposal of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, approved the appointment of General Luciano Antonio Portolano as the new Chief of Defence Staff. As of 4 October 2024, General Portolano will officially take over from Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
Army General Luciano Portolano began his career at the Modena Military Academy with the 161st course. Subsequently, he attended numerous courses in Italy and abroad, enriching his operational and strategic skills.
Throughout his career, he has held command and operational roles in key international missions, contributing to global stability and security. From the Iran-Iraq border with the UNIMOG mission in the 1990s, through Kosovo and Iraq, to command of the multinational contingent of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon and command of the RC-W in Afghanistan as part of theISAF operation.
Extensive international military experience
In addition to his operational assignments, General Portolano has gained extensive experience in diplomacy. From 2014 to 2016, he was appointed by Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, as Head of Mission and Commander of the UN Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), leading more than 10,000 blue helmets from over 40 different nations.
His diplomatic skills were further enhanced by his position as Military Attaché at the Italian Embassy in London and his role as mediator between the Lebanese and Israeli sides during his time in UNIFIL.
Since 2019, he has led the Joint Force Operations Command (COVI), coordinating sensitive operations such as 'Aquila Omnia' during the evacuation of civilian personnel from Afghanistan in 2021.
General Portolano's curriculum highlights a deep commitment to national and international security and stability. His appointment as Chief of Defence Staff represents a solid and strategic choice to face the new global challenges and strengthen Italy's role in international missions and in the most complex geopolitical contexts.
With a career spanning more than three decades of service, the new Chief of Staff will be a fundamental guide for the Italian Armed Forces, carrying on Italy's tradition of military and diplomatic-operational excellence.
We wish General Portolano the best of luck in his prestigious and extraordinary assignment.
