Cerbero and Stige 2026 - Minister Crosetto in Exercise with the Army

PARMA/PIACENZA – In an increasingly unstable international context, the Italian Defense accelerates on the front of operational readiness and technological innovation. The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, visited today the Army contingents engaged in the exercises “Cerbero 2026”, in Fornovo di Taro (Parma), and “Stige 2026”, at Scalo Po (Piacenza).

The two training activities represent a turning point in national military doctrine, focusing on modern scenarios ranging from underground management to the protection of critical infrastructures and the integration of robotic systems and drones.

The Challenge of the Underground: The Exercise “Cerbero 2026”

In Fornovo di Taro, the Minister emphasized how the nature of modern conflict is shifting to domains previously considered marginal. "The underground has become a decisive maneuver space," stated Crosetto, highlighting how water, energy, and telecommunications networks now represent the "centers of gravity" to protect to ensure the country's resilience.

The Army, through "Cerbero", demonstrated the ability to operate in complex underground environments, integrating the excellence of its units with a forward-looking strategic vision. "It's not enough to prevent risks: we must anticipate events," reiterated the Minister, calling for a necessary acceleration to ensure that Italy is ready to face hybrid and asymmetric threats.

Technology and Human Value: The Exercise “Stige 2026”

Moving to Scalo Po for "Stige 2026", the focus shifted to technological integration and enhancing obstacle overcoming capabilities in river contexts. Here, Crosetto reiterated the centrality of human life: "If a drone can save a life, then that's the direction we must go. A man's life is worth more than any investment."

Despite the push towards automation, the Minister wanted to remind that technology remains a tool in the hands of trained men and women: "Skills capable of building bridges and advancing first will always be needed."

The “Porcupine Strategy” and Deterrence

One of the most significant parts of Crosetto's speech concerns the Defense model that Italy must aim for, defined by the Minister as the “Porcupine Strategy”.

"The porcupine is an apparently vulnerable animal, but capable of discouraging the aggressor without seeking confrontation. It is the perfect symbol of deterrence: a solid and credible Defense that discourages threats through preparation and technological innovation."

A Commitment to Personnel

Beyond the tactical aspects, the Minister emphasized the human and social dimension of the sector. He set two clear objectives for his mandate:

1. Solidity and Readiness: Ensure a credible Defense at the international level.
2. Recognition and Honor: Ensure that those who serve the State in uniform receive the respect and support they deserve, especially in times of difficulty.

"Those who wear a uniform have made a profound choice: to put their life at the service of the country's security," concluded Crosetto, greeting the military personnel present as part of a "great family" that represents Italy in the world not as a force of domination, but as a bastion of humanity and peace.