General C.A. Luciano Antonio Portolano appointed new Chief of Defense Staff

The Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, has approved the appointment of General Luciano Antonio Portolano as the new Chief of Defense Staff. From October 4, 2024, General Portolano will officially take over from Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

General of the Army Corps Luciano Portolano began his career at the Military Academy of Modena 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 '90s, through Kosovo and Iraq, to commanding the multinational contingent of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon and commanding the RC-W in Afghanistan as part of the ISAF operation.

A vast international military experience

In addition to his operational assignments, General Portolano has gained extensive experience in the diplomatic field. From 2014 to 2016, he was appointed by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, as Head of Mission and Commander of the UN Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), leading more than 10,000 peacekeepers from over 40 different nations.

His diplomatic skills were further strengthened with his role as Military Attaché at the Italian Embassy in London and thanks to his role as a mediator between Lebanese and Israeli parties during his experience in UNIFIL.

Since 2019, he has led the Joint Operational Command (COVI), coordinating delicate 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. The appointment as Chief of Defense Staff represents a solid and strategic choice to face new global challenges and strengthen Italy's role in international missions and in the most complex geopolitical contexts.

With a career spanning over three decades of service, the new Chief of Defense Staff will be a fundamental guide for the Italian Armed Forces, carrying forward Italy's tradition of military and diplomatic-operational excellence.

We extend our best wishes to General Portolano for the prestigious and extraordinary assignment.