The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Squadrone General Antonio Conserva, has concluded an intensive working trip to the United States and South Korea.
The mission unfolded through a packed agenda of high-level institutional and military meetings, which included Office calls with the Italian Ambassadors in Washington and Seoul, and with the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force. Significant were the working meetings with the leadership of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Joint Program Office F35 and the Air Forces of Canada and South Korea, discussing topics of crucial strategic relevance.
The trip also provided an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in the aerospace and defence sectors. In the United States, General Conserva held briefing meetings with major aerospace companies focused on new technologies for the development of innovative aeronautical and space programmes. In South Korea, as part of participation in the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2025), there were valuable opportunities for discussion with domestic and international companies in the sector.
A significant aspect of the mission was the engagement with authoritative US think tanks, including the Mitchell Institute and the Atlantic Council. During dedicated roundtables, General Conserva delved into the most current themes for the development of Aerospace Power. In particular, he highlighted the ability to respond to emerging threats by strengthening interoperability with NATO and effectively contributing to joint defence missions.joint and combined defence mission).
Finally, the celebrations in Washington for the 50th anniversary of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) offered a significant setting to highlight the Italian presence in North America. General Conserva stressed how last year's North American Tour of the Frecce Tricolori, which took place over thirty years after the previous one, served as a means to “share the values” of the Italian Air Force and to strengthen ties with the Italian-American community, representing the Frecce Tricolori as a symbol of Made in Italy excellence and national enterprise.
The mission concluded with a meeting with Air Force military personnel serving at the Italian Embassy in Washington and at surrounding organisations, a moment to discuss the activities and issues of those working abroad in the service of the country.
