The ceremony took place at the New Competition Hub of the Italian Air Force, in the presence of the Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto and numerous civil, military, and religious authorities. 

This morning, in Guidonia, at the Armed Force's New Competition Hub, was celebrated the centenary-plus-one anniversary of the Italian Air Force. The event, which took place the day before the official date of the Air Force's constitution, born as an autonomous and independent Armed Force on 28 March 1923, was held in the presence of the Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Squad General Luca Goretti. 

Among the authorities present at the ceremony were the Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Giorgio Mulè, the Undersecretaries of State for Defence, Senator Isabella Rauti and Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, the President of the Copasir Lorenzo Guerini, and the Mayor of Guidonia Montecelio Mauro Lombardo.

The “100+1” ceremony continues in line with the special occasion of the AM Centenary, a prestigious milestone achieved last year by the Armed Force, which today becomes an opportunity to look towards an increasingly challenging and changeable future. “Future” is indeed the keyword of this new chapter that the Air Force is about to write, aware of the peculiar characteristics that define air power and ready to take up the challenge of delivering an operational tool to future generations capable of countering hybrid and broad technological spectrum threats.

“Today's anniversary represents our genesis, our reason for being, our constant and absolute benchmark. We celebrate over a century of the institution's life, or rather, 100 +1, to mark, with a simple mathematical symbol, the entry into a new era that makes way for future”These are the words of the Chief of the Air Staff during his speech. With further reference to the current geopolitical context, where asymmetric threats are added to classical forms of counter-action, including in new domains such as Space and the cyber, he continued: ”We will necessarily need to continue evolving to avoid providing outdated answers to modern challenges. We are an organisation characterised by complex, sophisticated, and cutting-edge weapon systems, of which 5th generation systems currently represent the pinnacle, but they are already ready to make way for subsequent ones. These systems not only create niches of operational and industrial excellence but also enable organisational growth for the entire structure and, particularly, enhance the specific capabilities required of personnel in blue, who constitute its true and undisputed value. And it is precisely on the Staff AM that General Goretti wanted to dwell on: “Structures change, machines evolve, but people remain and pass on the guiding principles. They have always been the protagonists of our story, proudly proud of our aviation identity.”.

“Today the Blue Army displays top-tier, wide-ranging capabilities, in terms of personnel, equipment, technology, and skills., stated The Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. “Effectively competes in the protection of our southern security perimeter, contributing to its presence for defence and stability in the broader context of the wider Mediterranean. The 360-degree action of the Defence, of the Italian armed forces, has today become a reality that projects our country among the major contributors to peace and the safeguarding of the fundamental values of freedom and the protection of democratic rights. He then added: “To meet the challenges that the rapid development of emerging and so-called disruptive technologies brings, the Armed Forces must aim for continuous cultural and operational evolution, achieving and consolidating real inter-force integration and interoperability, which are essential to achieve the necessary capabilities to operate in multi-domain environments.

“The success of Defence is to guarantee peace of mind for the community. But serenity and peace require a daily, constant commitment, built on preparation, investment, and sacrifice from the Air Force, which celebrates its day today, and from the whole of Defence. I am happy to be here today and honoured to bring to each of you, to all Air Force personnel, my respect, my gratitude, and the affection of those who, like me, feel part of this family and part of the sacrifices that this family and all its members make every day.”, these are the words of the Secretary of Defence Guido Crosetto.“Deeply aware of the importance and role of the Air Force, I thank you as Minister and am grateful to you as a citizen.”.

At the ceremony, 15 were awarded. honours and Armed Forces Personnel and Departments distinguished for particular merit in various activities. Specifically, one was presented Gold Medal of Aeronautical Merit to the 70th Wing for its excellent selection and flight training activities for Italian and foreign student aircrew; a Silver Medal for Aeronautical Merit to the Commander of the Italian Contingent in Kuwait within the framework of the International Operation “Inherent Resolve” in the period January – July 2022; seven Silver Medals for Aeronautical Valour to personnel engaged in the evacuation of Afghan nationals and civilian collaborators from Kabul airport, in 2021; and you are Bronze Medals for Aeronautical Merit for members of the helicopter crews of the Air Force Search and Rescue Centres, engaged in delicate rescue operations for civilian personnel in life-threatening danger in Sicily in 2023 and during the earthquake and snow emergencies of 2016 and 2017 in Abruzzo.

The ceremony in Guidonia was preceded this morning by a Solemn flag-raising ceremony at Palazzo Aeronautica, the institutional headquarters of the Armed Force, and by the subsequent laying of a laurel wreath by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force honour to Fallen, near the Monument dedicated to them.

The meeting is expected in the afternoon at Quirinal with the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella who, on the occasion of the anniversary, will receive General Goretti, accompanied by a delegation of Armed Forces personnel.

This evening, starting at 7:00 PM, the Italian Air Force Band He will perform in a concert open to the public at Urbe Airport. 

Photos of the ceremony attached

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