General Portolano visits the units in Lombardy: focus on NATO and national security

MILAN – The cycle of institutional visits by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, continues as he traveled to Lombardy today to meet with personnel from operational units and the highest civil authorities of the region. A visit that is part of the implementation of the Defense's strategic priorities, with particular attention to the «balancing of components» and strengthening technological coherence among the Armed Forces.

The Carabinieri between territorial control and international projection

The first stop saw General Portolano at the Interregional Command "Pastrengo" of the Carabinieri. Addressing the military personnel, the Chief of Defense Staff expressed deep appreciation for the service carried out daily to protect citizens. The multifaceted role of the Carabinieri was emphasized: not only as a guardian of legality on national territory as military police but also as a recognized excellence within NATO for stability policing activities and support in delicate post-conflict phases abroad.

Communications and strategic support: the 1st Signal Regiment

Subsequently, the General visited the 1st Signal Regiment of the Army, an elite unit that provides direct support to the multinational headquarters NATO NRDC-ITA. The unit is currently engaged in high readiness for the Allied Reaction Force. Portolano praised the professionalism and spirit of sacrifice of the signalers, defining their role as «crucial» to ensure command continuity and connection between operational structures, essential assets for operating in modern multi-domain scenarios.

Institutional meetings and future perspectives

The day in Milan concluded with a series of high-profile meetings. General Portolano met with the mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, and the prefect, Claudio Sgaraglia, reaffirming the indissoluble bond between the world of Defense and local authorities. At the center of the talks was the contribution of the military to urban security in coordination with the Police Forces.

"The essential goal is to ensure the ability to operate in complex scenarios, both in allied contexts and on a national basis, maintaining integrated technological superiority," declared the General during the visit.

The institutional tour in Lombardy does not stop here: tomorrow's agenda includes a visit to the 6th Wing of the Air Force in Ghedi, a flight unit that is a pillar of air defense and national space control.