The Italian Air Force (A.M.) has defined its organisation as a hierarchical-functional structure based on 3 hierarchical levels divided into 4 functional areas.
This structure is composed:
─ hierarchically from:
─ on a functional level from:
Article 798 bis of the Military Organisation Code establishes the following staff strengths for the Air Force.
for a total of 36,850 units.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force [General Antonio CONSERVA]
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CaSMA) exercises command functions of the Armed Force and, in this capacity, is the Commander of the Air Forces and is responsible for the organisation and readiness of the Armed Force, as well as activities relating to personnel deployment and management, training and logistics.
Chosen from General Officers of at least the rank of Air Squadriglia General and appointed by Decree of the President of the Republic, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff. He holds a superordinate hierarchical rank compared to all other Generals of the A.M.
To fulfil its extensive responsibilities, as defined by the regulations, it has a Staff and relies on Higher Commands and Bodies.
Furthermore, it performs the function of Military Aviation Authority (A.A.M.) within the Ministry of Defence, dealing with the regulation of Military Air Traffic (C.A.M.).
The Apex Area (Apex Bodies and Apex Commands)
Generalities
The vertex area is organised into Higher Bodies (OO.VV.) e Vertex Commands (AA.CC.) directly dependent on the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
The mission of the SMA is to support the Chief of Staff in the planning, organisation, coordination and control of the various areas of activity of the Air Force.
The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force
[GEN. S.A. Giovanni BALESTRI]
The SMAR is headed by an Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff (SCaSMA), to whom report:
The 1st Department of the Air Force Staff (S.M.A.) is responsible for defining the structural and organisational setup of the Armed Force’s bodies, contributing to the elaboration of the joint and international staff structure. Furthermore, it deals with personnel policy within the Armed Force, for both military and civilian personnel, overseeing all aspects from recruitment to remuneration, and from training to deployment.
The General Security Department of the Air Staff supports the Chief of the Air Staff in exercising the powers of the Armed Force's Central Security Authority, while also handling the procedures related to the issuance of security clearances (Nulla Osta di Segretezza).
Furthermore, the Department is tasked with conducting research and fact-checking activities pertaining to security within the Air Force.
At an organisational level, the Department makes use of an Air Force Security Coordination Centre, based in Ciampino, which is responsible for carrying out research and control activities concerning security matters within the Air Force domain and for contributing to the field of operational intelligence. The Air Force Security Coordination Centre fulfils its duties through the direction, coordination, and control of subordinate Security Units, deployed both nationally and abroad, via Air Force units integrated within the OFCN framework.
The 3rd Department of the Air Staff is responsible for formulating guidelines for the preparation and deployment of the aerospace instrument, actively contributing to the formulation of national security and defence policy. Furthermore, it handles aspects related to the AM's technical-military cooperation at an international level.
The Department has direct responsibility for the Centre of Excellence for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (CdE APR) based in Amendola, whose mission is to promote the development and integration of these aircraft among the various Armed Forces, to ensure maximum interoperability and operational effectiveness.
The 4th Department of the Air Staff (S.M.A.) is responsible for providing the guidelines for the acquisition of the Armed Force's means, systems, equipment, infrastructure, and services, as well as for their maintenance, and for overseeing assigned national and international programmes and maintaining contact with the aerospace industry. Operationally, it is also responsible for liaising with the NATO NCIA Agency in The Hague.
The 5th Department of the Air Staff is tasked with promoting the image and values of the Air Force by adapting communication strategies to societal changes. It plays a central role in defining communication policies and works in close coordination with the Communication Synergy Office of the Air Staff. Finally, it acts as a point of contact with aviation associations, ensuring their initiatives are aligned with the Armed Force's objectives.
The 6th Department of the Air Staff is responsible for preparing the financial and budgetary instruments necessary for the strategic planning of the Air Force and for the realisation of the Aerospace Instrument.
The General Office of Military Aviation and Meteorology is tasked with supporting the Chief of SMA, who represents the Military Aviation Authority, in carrying out its high-level technical, regulatory, supervision, and control functions relating to military air traffic and the provision of air navigation services. To fulfil these functions, it maintains contact with the Air Force Representation for Air Traffic Control (RAMi ATM) at EUROCONTROL in Brussels.
The General Office of Legal Advice and Affairs of the Air Force is tasked with providing legal advice within the Armed Force, ensuring a uniform approach to legal matters. Specifically, it advises the Chief of Staff, Senior Commanders, and Top Bodies on issues related to discipline and investigations. It also handles the management of the most important legal cases for the Armed Force, including disciplinary matters involving service personnel at central bodies and issues relating to the Military Judicial Police function.
The General Office for Space is responsible for defining the strategy and necessary resources for the space and aerospace sector of the Air Force. Its task is to outline future development lines and enabling technologies, ensuring that space services and capabilities are used in a coordinated and integrated manner.
Furthermore, the Department maintains key relationships with institutions involved in the modernisation of space systems, including the Italian Space Agency. It is also responsible for defining training pathways for sector personnel. To carry out its functions, it has operational control of the Air Force Representation at Axiom Space in Houston and at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
The Air Force Military Personnel Management Directorate is responsible for implementing the training and employment policies of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force by managing and completing programmes and procedures relating to the employment of Air Force military personnel.
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They carry out the activities required by current regulations regarding evaluation and the preparation of acts preparatory to the institute's activities.
The General Office, Administrative Responsibility Centre – Air Force, is responsible for the technical and administrative management of the financial resources of the Air Force's Administrative Responsibility Centre, in line with the programming and directives of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. It ensures the financing of all Entities, Detachments, and Units of the Armed Force through the Directorate of Administration, and also exercises administrative control over them. Furthermore, it is responsible for the contractual finalisation and negotiation of acts for key technical sectors (such as line efficiency, armaments, telecommunications/air defence/flight assistance, and military engineering), also managing the related litigation. Finally, it handles high-value contractual procedures for the general needs of the Armed Force.
The 1st Air Region Command carries out the territorial liaison function between the Air Force and local administrations/organisations, ensuring the necessary garrison activities.
Her responsibilities include managing personnel on leave residing within her area of jurisdiction, overseeing regulatory aspects related to mobilisation, military service, territory and heritage, and supporting governmental authorities in managing public disasters.
The Rome Air Force Command plays a central role as a garrison and liaison body for the Air Force in the Rome Capital area. In addition to ensuring territorial functions and relations with local administrations, it provides essential administrative support to various Air Force and Joint Commands, particularly those located within the Palazzo Aeronautica complex, the COMAER Headquarters, and Vigna di Valle Airport.
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The Offices of the General of the Air Force Services Branch and of the Heads of the Air Force Engineer, Quartermaster, and Medical Corps provide advice to the Chief of Air Staff on matters concerning their respective Services Branch/Corps, with particular regard to training and staff deployment profiles.
The General Office for Managerial Innovation is responsible for carrying out research and development activities in the field of integrated managerial systems relating to the area of Organisational Innovation, in order to promote their use within the Armed Forces for effective change management and lasting success.
The General Office of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Staff and providing support to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Furthermore, it is responsible for planning, directing and managing the protocol activities of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and for organising official visits of foreign Air Force Chiefs of Staff to Italy.
The Air Force Command for the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, subordinate to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, provides territorial functions for the Air Force and acts as a liaison with local authorities and administrations. It guarantees garrison activities and supports local authorities in the organisation and management of public disasters and other emergency situations.
Flight Safety Inspectorate formulates the policy In the Air Force sector, it carries out prevention and inspection activities at Departments and Bodies of the Armed Force and defines the guidelines for the investigation of flight accidents.
The Higher Institute for Flight Safety ensures the training of operational personnel in the field of Flight Safety at a national level concerning military and state aircraft.
The General Office for the Coordination of Accident Prevention and Environmental Protection is tasked with formulating the Armed Forces“ policy on ”Health and Safety in the Workplace“ and ”Environmental Protection".
It carries out consultancy activities for the F.A. Employer Organisations listed in the A.M. Employers list and defines the guidelines for accident prevention and environmental protection activities.
The General Office for the Coordination of Accident Prevention Surveillance is responsible for carrying out inspection and technical-administrative surveillance activities in the field of health and safety protection in the workplaces of Armed Forces bodies and, when delegated, conducts related investigations.
The Office of the Episcopal Vicar is tasked with coordinating the pastoral action of the Armed Forces' Military Chaplains and providing spiritual assistance to military and civilian personnel serving in Armed Forces and joint units located within the Palazzo A.M. complex and adjacent areas.
The Carabinieri Command for Air Mobility is responsible for performing Military Police and Judicial Police (ordinary and military) functions.
Furthermore, it contributes to the security of airports, AM Bodies and Commands, performs representation duties, escorts and translations, provides useful information, and carries out other tasks as required by regulations.
The Air Squad Command (CSA), based in Milan, represents the pinnacle of the operational and training organisation of the Air Force. Through the CSA, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force exercises both his responsibilities regarding the training, preparation and operational readiness of the Units, and Command and Control over the Air Force assets engaged in operational and training activities.
The CSA is responsible for generating and preparing air forces, ensuring they are ready for deployment according to the required specifications. Through its branches, it plans and manages the employment of air forces, both in Italy and abroad, contributing to joint operations with other national and international armed forces. Furthermore, the CSA is responsible for the Meteorological Service, air traffic services, and air defence.
The Air Force Logistics Command (COMLOG) represents the apex of the Armed Force's logistical and technical management. Through COMLOG, the Chief of Air Staff exercises the technical, logistical, and administrative responsibilities of the Armed Force and guarantees the necessary support to ensure its maximum operational capability.
Its main task è to ensure the efficiency of weapon systems and the technical and logistical support of the equipment, materiel, infrastructure, materials, assets and services provided to the Air Force, as well as healthcare for Air Force personnel through the work of subordinate Departments and Bodies, and in synergy with other High Commands.
The Command of the Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region (CSAM/3ª R.A.), based in Bari, represents the apex of the Armed Force's training organisation. Through this High Command, the Chief of the Air Staff exercises attributions regarding recruitment, selection, training, and basic specialist qualification of Air Force personnel belonging to all categories, as well as the initial flight training for aircrew personnel of other Armed Forces or police forces, aimed at obtaining a military pilot or navigator licence. With the incorporation of the 3rd Air Region, the CSAM/3ª R.A. has also assumed territorial liaison functions, maintaining connections with local entities and administrations and managing relations with military trade unions on matters of local competence.
Generalities
The intermediate level of the Air Force's organisational structure is a hierarchical level situated between the Apex Command and the operational peripheral bodies, comprising “Intermediate Commands” (CC.II.).
The Intermediate Commands of the Air Force, directly subordinate to the High Commander responsible for their respective functional area, are:
The training area (CSAM/3rd R.A.) does not have an intermediate level..
Intermediate Commands perform demultiplication functions for the reference High Command and assist it in carrying out the tasks assigned by law (Articles 142-146 of the C.O.M.).
In general, they coordinate and oversee the activities of dependent peripheral bodies, ensuring the acquisition and maintenance of operational readiness in a specific sector of activity (operational, training, logistical, technical, maintenance, administrative, infrastructural, health, etc.), also ensuring the operational efficiency of weapon systems, if assigned or held for use, of means and materials, personal training, their specialisation and the constant updating and standardisation of operational procedures.
The Aerospace Operations Command (COA), based in Poggio Renatico, is the operational arm of the Air Squad Command for the management of air forces. Its primary task is to plan and direct operations and exercises, ensuring the effective use of assigned resources.
This Command also trains personnel to operate in national and international command and control contexts, including NATO and EU ones. It is also responsible for preparing a command structure for Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) operations. The COA acts as a single point of reference for Air and Missile Defence and coordinates operational air traffic. Finally, it contributes to the generation and dissemination of services related to space monitoring.Space Situational Awareness).
The Combat Forces Command (CFC), based in Milan, is responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of the air forces. Led by an Air Division General, it is tasked with guaranteeing that all systems, assets, and personnel are ready for air defence, attack, and reconnaissance missions. This is achieved not only by maintaining the efficiency of equipment but also through continuous personnel training and constant updating of operational procedures.
The Command for Mobility and Support Forces (CFMS), based in Milan, is responsible for ensuring and maintaining the operational readiness of projection, protection, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and electronic warfare (ISTAR-EW) assets. Led by an Air Division General, it is tasked with ensuring the efficiency of systems, equipment, and materiel, and with overseeing the continuous training of personnel, constantly updating operational procedures.
The 2nd Division, based in Rome and led by an Air Division General, is responsible for ensuring the technical efficiency and logistical support of the Italian Air Force's weapon systems and materials. It operates under the Italian Air Force's Logistic Command and works in collaboration with other High Commands to ensure that Italian Air Force Units have the necessary technical support to carry out their duties.
The 3rd Division, based in Rome and led by an Air Division General, is responsible for ensuring the technical efficiency and logistical support of all Command and Control, communication, and IT systems, as well as the facilities, systems, and assets of Air Defence, Flight Assistance, and Meteorology. Operating under the supervision of the Air Force Logistics Command, this Division works to guarantee that all Air Force entities and departments are equipped with functioning equipment and infrastructure, in close synergy with the other High Commands.
The Support Service, based in Rome and headed by an Air Division General, is responsible for ensuring technical efficiency and logistical support in the areas of transport, customs, motorisation, aviation/vehicle fuel and lubricants, aviation oxygen, firefighting, NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical defence), photo-cinematography, and ecological/environmental chemical-physical controls for the Air Force's Bodies and Departments, through the work of its dependent Departments and Bodies and in synergy with the technical structures of other High Commands.
The Logistics and Administration Service, based in Rome, is responsible for managing the distribution of essential resources such as cash, food, clothing, equipment, and aeronautical materials. Furthermore, it contributes to the activities necessary to ensure the financial treatment of personnel in service and in reserve.
The Rome-based Infrastructure Service is responsible for meeting the needs relating to all infrastructures in use by the Air Force. Operating under the supervision of the Air Force's Logistic Command, its mission is to ensure the efficiency of every facility, with particular attention to runways and other flight infrastructure.
The A.M. Healthcare Service, based in Rome, is responsible for ensuring healthcare prevention and assistance for Armed Forces personnel. Under the supervision of the A.M. Logistic Command, this service is tasked with conducting medical assessments, including operational fitness checks, and also provides its services to other Armed Forces or external bodies.
The peripheral level is made up of all those Organic Structures of the Air Force that form the basis of the organisation as they perform operational tasks in the various sectors of competence and in the different functional areas of the Armed Force.
Among the main peripheral bodies are:
