Florence, the Vittorio Veneto becomes NATO Multinational Division South

With the flag-raising ceremony of the NATO standard, held yesterday at the “Predieri” barracks in Florence, the Multinational Division South (MND-S) was officially established. The event was attended by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Luciano Portolano, the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. C.A. Carmine Masiello, the Prefect of Florence, Dr. Francesca Ferrandino, and the Deputy Commander of the Land Command (LANDCOM) in Izmir, Gen. C.A. Jez Bennet.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of a process that began in October 2019, which led the Division “Vittorio Veneto”, a major unit of the Italian Army, to become a fundamental element of the NATO Force Structure. The MND-S is now capable of planning and conducting multinational and joint operations, ensuring flexibility, interoperability, and contributing to the missions of the Atlantic Alliance: deterrence and defense, crisis management, and cooperative security.

A symbol of NATO cooperation

In his speech, Gen. Portolano emphasized how the MND-S represents a symbol of cooperation among member countries:

“In an international context characterized by uncertainty, increasing complexity, and multidimensional threats, the Division provides an essential contribution to the stability and security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region. Located in Florence, between the Mediterranean and continental Europe, it occupies a position of strategic importance. The MND-S testifies to Italy's commitment to ensuring collective security and will play an increasingly central role within NATO.”

Gen. Masiello also highlighted the importance of the milestone achieved:

“Today the Division, reconfigured as Multinational Division South, becomes part of the NATO Force Structure, confirming Italy's central role in safeguarding peace, freedom, and international law. It is the beginning of a cultural change and a path of organizational adaptation for an Army increasingly ready to face the challenges of deterrence and defense.”

An international path

The approval of the Strategic Directive by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) on June 3, 2024, initiated the process of establishing the MND-S, officially recognized on June 19, 2025, by the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The name “South” is a geographical reference, useful for distinguishing it from other already operational Multinational Divisions.

Currently, 11 nations are participating in the project, and in the coming weeks, foreign officers and non-commissioned officers are expected to join the Division's staff.

As of July 1, the MND-S has already assumed command of the Land Component Command (LCC) of NATO's Allied Reaction Force, taking over from the 1st UK Division.