GSOF Symposium Europe 2026: Global Defense and Special Forces Leaders Gather in Rome

The GSOF Symposium Europe, the annual event of greatest international significance organized by the Global SOF Foundation, marks its tenth edition by coming to Italy. From October 6 to 8, 2026, the capital will host a three-day premier event attended by more than 750 delegates from over 30 nations, bringing together military elements of the Special Operations Forces (SOF), government representatives, strategic analysts, and leading companies in the aerospace and defense industry.

The event provides a high-level forum for addressing contemporary geostrategic shifts. Key topics for discussion include the evolution of irregular and multidomain warfare, the integration of autonomous systems (UAV/UGV/USV) and artificial intelligence, counter-drone (C-UAS) strategies, communications resilience in contested environments, and enhanced interoperability among NATO SOF Commands and allied nations.

The following are two detailed information briefs on the Italian delegation of speakers and the structure of the program.

BRIEF 1: Italian Speakers and Presentations

The Rome edition stands out for the prominent participation of Italy's national system, represented by senior Armed Forces leadership, political institutions, industry leaders, and the academic and research communities.

Senior Military and Operational Leadership

• Gen. Luciano Portolano (Chief of Defence Staff): He will speak during the opening session, delivering a keynote address on the role of Italian Special Forces in the current geopolitical environment and in integrated defense.

• Adm. Paolo Pezzutti (Commander of COFS - Comando Interforze per le Operazioni delle Forze Speciali): He will take part in discussions on interoperability and the integration of SOF capabilities within NATO.

• Rear Adm. Stefano Frumento (Commander of COMSUBIN): He will present a focus on underwater operations, the protection of critical subsea infrastructure, and next-generation amphibious technologies.

• Maj. Gen. Luigi Casali (I Reparto Stato Maggiore della Difesa / Segredifesa): He will address acquisition processes and the development of armament capabilities for special forces.

• Col. Stefano Zordan (Head of the COFS Innovation Office): Speaker in sessions devoted to emerging technologies, electronic warfare, and tactical drones.

• Primo Luogotenente Marco Scopel (Command Senior Enlisted Label - CSEL COFS): He will contribute to the international panel on the role of Enlisted Leadership in high-risk operations.

Institutions and Strategic Analysis

• Hon. Guido Crosetto (Minister of Defense - Guest): Opening remarks and welcome address to foreign delegations.

• Hon. Mario Mauro (Former Minister of Defense, European TEN-T Coordinator): Remarks on the security dynamics of transport infrastructure and military logistics in Europe.

• Amb. Giuseppe Morabito (Vice President of SIOI): Analysis of diplomatic and multilateral dynamics in support of theater operations.

• Andrea Margelletti (President of the Centro Studi Internazionali - CeSI): Moderation and remarks on the evolution of hybrid threats and international crisis scenarios.

Industry, Economics and Technological Research

• Pierroberto Folgiero (CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri): Presentation of high-performance naval solutions and special underwater vehicles for commando operators.

• Dario Scannapieco (CEO and General Manager of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti): Remarks on financial investment in the strategic technology sector and support for dual-use innovation.

• Prof. Gerardo Iovane (AI and Sofimatica expert): Presentation on the applications of cognitive Artificial Intelligence in Command & Control (C2) systems.

• Josef Nierling (Managing Director of Porsche Consulting Italia): Focus on optimizing industrial and logistics processes for defense applications.

FACT SHEET 2: Summary Program

Tuesday 6 October 2026 – Day 1: Strategic Vision & Global Cooperation

• 08:00 – 09:00 | Participant registration and accreditation

• 09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Ceremony and Institutional Greetings

• 09:30 – 10:30 | Keynote Speech: The Role of SOF in Multi-Domain Crises – Gen. Luciano Portolano

• 10:30 – 11:30 | Opening of the Exhibition Area & Networking Break

• 11:30 – 12:45 | Panel 1: NATO SOFCOM and Allied Interoperability

• 12:45 – 14:15 | Networking Lunch in the Exhibition Area

• 14:15 – 15:30 | Panel 2: Defense Economics, Strategic Capital and Dual-Use Technology

• 15:30 – 16:30 | Technical Focus: Underwater Operations and Maritime Domain Security – COMSUBIN & Industry

• 17:00 – 19:00 | Welcome Cocktail & Industry Networking

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Day 2: Capability, Technology & Warfare Innovation

• 08:30 – 09:00 | Hall Opening and Registration

• 09:00 – 10:15 | Panel 3: Electronic Warfare, C-UAS and Counter-Drone Technologies in the Field

• 10:15 – 11:15 | Coffee Break & Visit to Technical Exhibits

• 11:15 – 12:30 | Panel 4: Cognitive Artificial Intelligence and C2 Systems in GPS/SATCOM-Denied Environments

• 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch Break & B2B / B2G Meetings

• 14:00 – 15:15 | Panel 5: Evolution of Maritime and Land Tactical Transport Vehicles

• 15:15 – 16:30 | Roundtable: Geopolitics, Intelligence and Hybrid Threats

• 19:30 – 22:00 | Official GSOF Europe Dinner (Private Event)

Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Day 3: Human Performance & Enlisted Leadership

• 09:00 – 10:15 | Panel 6: Senior Enlisted Leadership in Modern Special Operations

• 10:15 – 11:15 | Coffee Break & Final Meetings in the Exhibition Area

• 11:15 – 12:30 | Panel 7: Human Performance, Tactical Medicine and Operator Physical and Mental Readiness

• 12:30 – 13:00 | Closing Ceremony and Handover for the 2027 Edition

• 13:00 | Conclusion of Proceedings